The Effect of Foliar Application of an Amino Acid-Based Biostimulant on Lawn Functional Value

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to assess the functional value of the “Super Trawnik” lawn mixture. The studies were carried out between 2017 and 2019 at the Experimental Station of the University of Agriculture in Krakow (50°07′ N, 20°05′ E), and the experimental factor was the AGRO-SORB® Folium, a biostimulant containing amino acids and applied at three doses: 1, 2, and 3 L·ha−1. Lawn visual quality was assessed on a 9-point scale, with 10–11 mowings at 4 cm during the growing period. An increase in the concentration of the stimulant applied as a spray resulted in a significant increase in its effectiveness; plants in plots with the highest dose of amino acid solution (Variant III) had the highest aesthetic and functional values. The AGRO-SORB® Folium reduced the occurrence of fungal diseases; compared to control plants, there was a 16% reduction of Fusarium patch (Microdochium nivale) infection and a 20% reduction of Dreschlera leaf spot (Drechslera siccans). Satisfactory effects were also recorded on plots where the product was applied at a dose of 2 L·ha−1 (Variant II). Those plots had more favourably rated turf, with higher resistance of plants to Fusarium patch by 12% and to Dreschlera leaf spot by 20% compared to control.

Biostimulants for Sustainable Management of Sport Turfgrass

“…However, the management of high-quality turf relies on the use of synthetic agrochemicals to meet the high standards for aesthetics and playability, which can have a concomitant strong negative impact on the environment [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 ]. As with the agricultural sector, negative environmental impacts are currently being addressed through innovative technology, involving the use of environmentally friendly, novel plant biostimulants based on natural substances, including amino acids, plant extracts, humic substances, protein hydrolysates, mycorrhizal fungi and N-fixing bacteria to support plant growth and development [ 1 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 ]. Given that European legislation is focusing on the reduction in pesticides and fertilizers by 2030, innovation policies are gaining importance in new technologies, including those related to the manufacture of biostimulants [ 4 ].…”

“…As such, the use of biostimulants is projected to increase on a global level by 10.4% annually until 2030 [ 22 ]. The application of commercial biostimulants to turfgrass species has been shown to significantly increase in the values of visual parameters, such as the colour (chlorophyll content), as well as in promoting plant development (plant biomass) and in reducing microbial infestation [ 9 , 13 , 23 , 24 ]. The efficacy of a commercial product containing effective microorganisms (EMs) in promoting root extension and increased resistance to tearing out was demonstrated for Lolium perenne L. [ 1 ].…”

Extracellular DNA: Insight of a Signal Molecule in Crop Protection

“…In this context, the use of plant metabolism modifiers (PMFs) has been suggested as a potential treatment that suits most modern agricultural needs. PMFs have been labelled and classified in different ways, principally as biostimulants and elicitors and their use has shown to obtain higher fruit production, enhancement of plant growth, reduction in plant diseases occurrence, an increase in metabolites production as chlorophyll, carotenoids and, protein contents, as well as the production of some important enzyme activities as phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) and defence enzymes as catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), among others [22][23][24][25][26].…”

Effects of a Plasma Water and Biostimulant on Lawn Functional Value

“…Low biomass production, slow growth rate, and high aesthetic value during intensive shoot formation are the basic features of lawn grass [1]. Application of biological stimulants improves turf visual value and grass overall condition, reducing negative effects of stress factors [2][3][4][5]. Products containing humic substances and-silicon and amino acids have been used successfully to improve plant growth and development.…”