From the report «Untargeted metabolites and chemometric approach to elucidate the response of growth and yield attributes on different concentrations of an amino acid based biostimulant in two lettuce cultivars«, by Semakaleng Mpai, Lerato M. Mokganya, Lerato Raphoko, Peter Masoko, and Ashwell R. Ndhlala, published at Science Direct.
The study aims to underpin mechanisms induced by the application of an amino acid based biostimulant on growth and yield attributes. Different concentrations of biostimulant were foliar applied on lettuce cultivars. After 45 days of transplanting, analysis growth and yield attributes, and biochemical analysis were performed.
Application of 3% dose improved both growth and yield parameters in both cultivars in comparison to the 6% dose which inhibited growth. Similar trend was observed for biochemical and antioxidant analysis (phenolic, flavonoids, carotenoids, chloroplyll, and scavenging activity).
Obtained results validate the use of biostimulants in agriculture while giving information on the effects of the treatments towards changes in the chemical composition within the studied cultivars. Optimization of biostimulant concentrations is a critical factor that influences the overall growth and alternatively yields components.