| Popis: |
An open field trial was realized to assess the efficacy of the aqueous extract of the saffron stigmas as a biostimulator for the growth improvement of the tomato plant (Solanum lycopersicum L.). Five concentrations of aqueous saffron extract used as foliar treatment determined: 0.05 g/l, 0.4 g/l, 0.6 g/l, 1 g/l, and 2 g/l, with control, in a completely randomized experimental design with three replicates. Application of saffron extract as a foliar spray resulted in morphological and biochemical stimulation of tomato plants. Plant height was significantly (p ≤ 0.05) improved by the applied treatments. However, the highest concentration of extract used for treatment (2 g/l) negatively influenced plant height. The contents of polyphenols, flavonoids, anthocyanins, flavanols, condensed tannins, lycopene, carotenoids, and °Brix showed significant improvement (p ≤ 0.05) in response to varying concentrations of the aqueous saffron extract. The level of 0.6 g/l of saffron extract contributed to a significant improvement, and to plant height and antioxidant content of tomato. Moreover, an antifungal effect of the extract against Phytophthora infestans (Pi) was observed. Our results provide a biological alternative to chemical products, for quality improvement and sustainable agricultural bioproduction. Keywords: Saffron extract, Tomato, Phytophthora infestans, Secondary metabolites, Biochemical indices |
