Iodine Biofortification and Seaweed Extract-Based Biostimulant Supply Interactively Drive the Yield, Quality, and Functional Traits in Strawberry Fruits

Abstract

The horticultural sector is seeking innovative and sustainable agronomic practices which could lead to enhanced yield and product quality. Currently, plant biofortification is recognized as a valuable technique to improve microelement concentrations in plant tissues. Among trace elements, iodine (I) is an essential microelement for human nutrition. Concomitantly, the application of biostimulants may improve overall plant production and quality traits. With the above background in mind, an experiment was designed with the aim of assessing the interactive impact of a seaweed extract-based biostimulant (SwE) (0 mL L−1 (served as control) or 3 mL L−1 (optimal dosage)) and 0, 100, 300, or 600 mg L−1 I on the growth parameters, yield, fruit quality, minerals, and functional characteristics of the tunnel-grown “Savana” strawberry. SwE foliar application improved the plant growth-related traits, total and marketable yield, fruit color parameters, soluble solids content, nitrogen (N), potassium (K), and magnesium (Mg) fruit concentrations. Furthermore, an enhancement in the fruit dry matter content, ascorbic acid, and I concentration in fruits was detected when the SwE supply interacted with a mild I dose (100 or 300 mg L−1). The research underlined that combining SwE application and I biofortification increased the strawberry yield and quality and enhanced the plant nutritional status variation, thereby, determining a boosted strawberry I tolerance.

Modulation of cherry tomato performances in response to molybdenum biofortification and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in a soilless system

“…In this respect, the appropriate management of the nutrient solution is a crucial aspect of horticultural systems [ 62 ], especially in soilless cultures. At the same time, sustainable and emerging agronomic techniques, such as the employment of biostimulants, could be helpful in increasing plant tolerance to trace elements detrimental effect [ 63 ], as in the case of Mo overdosage [ 64 ]. In the current article, we investigated the interactive effects between different Mo dosages in the nutrient solutions and the arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi inoculation on plant performance, fruit quality, proline, lipid peroxidation (malondialdehyde) and Mo-biofortification safety of a cherry tomato genotype grown in a soilless system.…”

Joint Action of Trichoderma atroviride and a Vegetal Derived-Protein Hydrolysate Improves Yield, Fruit Quality and Economic Profitability of Two Woodland Strawberry Cultivars Grown Under Greenhouse

“…Despite the important research effort on the effects of biostimulants and natural products on vegetables [18,19], a boosted understanding concerning the blended supply of microbial and/or nonmicrobial biostimulants is required to make agriculture more resilient and green [20][21][22]. In this respect, to the best of our knowledge, there are no evidences on the impact of the combined use of Trichoderma atroviride, one of the most versatile species of genus Trichoderma, and of V-PH on yield and quality traits of woodland strawberry.…”

Synergistic Effect of a Plant-Derived Protein Hydrolysate and Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi on Eggplant Grown in Open Fields: A Two-Year Study

“…Eggplant is usually grown in intensive monoculture systems, which imply large amounts of inputs [4]. Such systems have a significant impact on the ecosystem; therefore, in recent years, there have been efforts to test eco-friendly tools that could guarantee good plant performance under favourable or unfavourable growing conditions and, at the same time, reduce the impact of the horticultural sector on the environment [5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13].…”