Formononetin accelerates mycorrhization and increases maize production at low phosphorus application rates

Abstract

The formononetin biostimulant may be an option for reducing P fertilization once it stimulates mycelial growth of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and increases plant ability to take up nutrients through the roots, especially phosphorus. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of formononetin associated with phosphorus fertilization in maize. Field experiments were conducted in a randomized block design with a 3 × 4 factorial arrangement (0, 50 or 70, and 140 kg ha -1 P 2 O 5 ; and formononetin application rates: 0, 25, 50, and 100 g ha -1 ), with four replications. Formononetin (100 g ha -1 ) increased the mycorrhizal colonization rate up to 30% in maize in the fi rst four weeks after emergence when no P fertilizer was applied, and to 17% when 50 or 70 kg ha -1 of P 2 O 5 were applied. The application of 50 and 100 g ha -1 of formononetin signifi cantly increased plant height, ear height, and grain yield (22% -76%) when no P fertilizer was applied. The use of formononetin in the fi eld stimulates mycorrhizal colonization, has a positive effect on maize yield, and reduces the need for P fertilizer application in maize.However, this effect was evident only at low P soil contents.

Domestication has altered gene expression and secondary metabolites in pea seed coat

“…These are found in seeds and their content increase during germination (in chickpea; Wu et al., 2012). Their biological function in seeds is seed–microbe communication, facilitating mycorrhization (Dos Santos et al., 2020; Liu & Murray, 2016) and rhizobial colonization (Liu & Murray, 2016). The development of SC includes biosynthesis of phenolic secondary metabolites (phenolic acids, lignans, flavones, flavanols, and isoflavonoids, either glycosylated or present as aglycons) performing antioxidant, protective, and growth control functions.…”

July 2023

“…These substances, which can be synthetic or natural, are easy to apply and can be administered in soil applications, foliar applications, and seed treatments (Dourado Neto et al, 2014). Biostimulants favor the expression of the genetic potential of plants through changes that take place in vital and structural processes, promoting a greater hormonal balance and stimulating the development of the root system, since it accelerates the process of fungal colonization in the roots (Santos et al, 2020). In plants, these products increase the absorption of water and nutrients, as well as their resistance to stresses and to the residual effects of herbicides in the soil (Rosa et al, 2021).…”