Evaluating the efficiency of using biostimulants for sweet pepper seedlings production (Capsicum annuum L. var. grossum) in an organic system

D.I. Avasiloaiei, C. Brezeanu, C. Bălăiță, A. Antal-Tremurici, M. Calara
The overall production of vegetable seedlings in an ecological system represents an increasingly important aspect of sustainable agriculture. In this context, the present study evaluates the efficiency of utilizing two biostimulants, Etamin and Kerafol, newly introduced to the horticultural input market. Biostimulants, derived from natural sources, have gained recognition for their role in enhancing plant growth and development. In the ecological system, their application not only fosters healthy seedling growth but also aligns with environmentally friendly practices. This paper highlights the significance of biostimulant use in the production of ‘DarianaBac’ pepper seedlings (Capsicum annuum L. var. grossum), emphasizing their potential to contribute to sustainable agriculture and the cultivation of high-quality, eco-friendly crops. The influence of the two biostimulants was assessed through various biometric parameters such as seedling height, root length, leaf count, collar diameter, root-to-shoot ratio, leaf surface area, leaf length, leaf width, leaf length-to-width ratio, as well as through some qualitative indices including total chlorophyll and anthocyanin content, total dry matter, and mineral content. The results highlight that the use of the two biostimulants positively influenced both the biometric and qualitative characteristics of pepper seedlings, with enhancements ranging from 10 to 45% compared to the untreated control. These positive outcomes suggest the two studied biostimulants ability to boost seedling growth, root development, leaf characteristics, and pigment content, underscoring their potential for enhancing crop quality and yield in an environmentally friendly manner. Further research and experimentation in diverse ecological settings could provide valuable insights to optimize the application of Etamin and Kerafol biostimulants for improving pepper seedling production.
Avasiloaiei, D.I., Brezeanu, C., Bălăiță, C., Antal-Tremurici, A. and Calara, M. (2025). Evaluating the efficiency of using biostimulants for sweet pepper seedlings production (Capsicum annuum L. var. grossum) in an organic system. Acta Hortic. 1416, 149-156
DOI: 10.17660/ActaHortic.2025.1416.20
https://doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.2025.1416.20
plant growth, chlorophyll content, anthocyanin content, leaf surface area, root-to-shoot ratio
English

Acta Horticulturae