Protein-Based Biostimulants Enhanced Early Growth And Establishment Of Sugar Beet

Abstract PurposeThe effect of different concentrations, types and placements of protein-based biostimulants (PBs) on early growth and establishment of different varieties of sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L) was evaluated.MethodsThree PBs with varying concentrations (0 to 10 g/kg soil) and different placement methods in sandy-clayey soil were tested for their enhancement effect on growth and establishment of three sugar beet varieties.ResultsAll three PBs used in this study enhanced the growth of sugar beet by 59-127%, compared to control. A content of 1 or 2 g/kg soil showed significantly the highest effect on early plant growth, with an increase in plant height, plant canopy area and total biomass of sugar beet by >100%, >165% and 195% respectively compared to the control. Generally, the three sugar beet varieties responded similarly to PB treatments and there was no difference in the effect of placement of the PBs on early sugar beet growth. However, the combination of the PB “potato protein film (PF)” with varieties I and III, showed a significantly positive effect on plant height and plant canopy area for treatment up to 5 g/kg soil, compared to other PB-varieties combinations. A better enhancement effect was observed by the addition of PBs compared to nutrient solution, which implies that nutrients/amino acids was not the only reason for the positive effects of the PBs.ConclusionPBs, mixed with soil at low concentration, significantly enhanced early growth and establishment of sugar beet.