The Influence of Biostimulants on Growth and Vitality of Three Urban Tree Species Following Transplanting

Abstract

Four commercially available, biostimulants sold under the trade names 'Generate', 'Crop Set', 'Fulcrum' and 'Redicrop 2000' were applied either as a root drench or foliar spray to three transplant-sensitive tree species, red oak (Quercus rubra), birch (Betula pendula) and beech (Fagus sylvatica) post transplanting. The short and long-term efficacy of the biostimulants on growth was quantified by recording root and shoot vigour at week 8 and 20. In addition, improvements in tree vitality were assessed by measurement of a chlorophyll a performance index based on leaf chlorophyll fluorescence emissions. Irrespective of species, no significant effect of mode of application (foliar spray versus root drench) was recorded on growth and vitality. The biostimulants Generate and Fulcrum increased growth of all three tree species. No significant effects on growth and chlorophyll fluorescence of birch and beech were recorded following applications of the biostimulants Crop Set and Redicrop 2000, however, significant increase in growth of red oak was recorded. Only the biostimulant Generate increased chlorophyll fluorescence values of all test species. Results show use of biostimulants can improve root and shoot vigour following transplanting. However, selection of an appropriate biostimulant is critical as effects on growth and vitality can vary widely between tree species possibly as a result of the differing active ingredient used in the formulation of the product.

Evaluation of Borage Extracts As Potential Biostimulant Using a Phenomic, Agronomic, Physiological, and Biochemical Approach

“…The chlorophyll a fluorescence-derived parameters have been used for evaluating the vitality of transplant-sensitive tree species after transplanting, and the effects ohe effects of biostimulants application, that increased leaf functionality as shown by higher values of PI (Fraser and Percival, 2003). …”

Biostimulants and crop responses: a review

“…Chlorophyll a fluorescence parameters have widely demonstrated that plants treated with biostimulants are less affected by a range of different biotic and abiotic stresses (Fraser & Percival 2003;Amanda et al 2009). Polysaccharides and oligosaccharides are other important biostimulant components that affect plant physiology.…”

The Effect of Microbe Plus and Phosphorus Fertilizers on the Vegetative Growth of Oil Palm (Elaesis guineensis, Jacq.) Seedlings

“…This observation is supported by [31] who asserted that biofertilizers worked to increase plant nutrient uptake and improve the nutrient use efficiency; and that there were no advantages in the use of sole biofertilizers in the promotion of plant growth [32]. However, the selection of appropriate biofertilizer according to [33] is therefore critical as growth effect could vary widely based on the different active organisms used in the formulation of the products. Studies by [34] showed inhibited root growth as resulted from low P supplied, whereas, [35] reported that in P-deficient plants, shoot growth was found to be more affected than root growth due to assimilate partitioning towards the root which led to a decrease in the shoot: Root dry matter ratio.…”