Ecklonia maxima and Glycine–Betaine-Based Biostimulants Improve Blueberry Yield and Quality
The consumption of blueberries has increased in recent years due to their excellent flavor and high antioxidant activity, which promote human well-being and health. Several sustainable cultural practices, such as biostimulants, have been applied to increase crop performance. The pre-harvest foliar application of two doses of a biostimulant based on the macroalgae Ecklonia maxima (EM), two doses of a glycine–betaine (GB) biostimulant, and two doses of the combination of the biostimulants in ‘Duke’ and ‘Draper’ blueberry cultivars in 2022 and 2023 were studied. The application of 4 L ha−1 EM significantly increased the yield of ‘Draper’ blueberries, while the same occurred in ‘Duke’ fruits treated with 4 L ha−1 EM + 4 kg ha−1 GB. The blueberries sprayed with both doses of EM + GB were heavier and larger. ‘Duke’ fruits treated with EM were firmer and, following 4 L ha−1 EM + 4 kg ha−1 GB treatment, presented a lower concentration of organic acids, determined by HPLC, greater sensorial sweetness, and lower acidity. Therefore, these biostimulants are recommended for a more environmentally friendly production perspective, as they may increase blueberry yield and improve fruit quality.
Authors
- Carlos Ribeiro (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6467-8350)
- Tiago Lopes (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3738-9676)
- Berta Gonçalves (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5764-024X)
- António A. Vicente (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3593-8878)
- Alfredo Aires (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6291-8413)
- Ana Paula Silva (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7231-7021)
- Rosa Carvalho
Institutions
- University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (PT)
- University of Minho (PT)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Horticulturae
- Published
- 2024-08-29
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae10090920
- Citations
- 6
- Primary Topic
- Plant Growth Enhancement Techniques
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 3.60
Funders
- Ministério da Ciência, Tecnologia e Ensino Superior
- Universidade de Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro
- Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia