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.

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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

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article

Ecklonia maxima and Glycine–Betaine-Based Biostimulants Improve Blueberry Yield and Quality

Carlos Ribeiro, Tiago Lopes, Berta Gonçalves, António A. Vicente et al.
6 citations
Horticulturae
Plant Growth Enhancement Techniques
3.60
article

Ecklonia maxima and Glycine–Betaine-Based Biostimulants Improve Blueberry Yield and Quality

Carlos Ribeiro, Tiago Lopes, Berta Gonçalves, António A. Vicente, Alfredo Aires, Ana Paula Silva, Rosa Carvalho
article en
6 citations

Abstract

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.

HorticulturaeVol. 10(9)
University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (PT), University of Minho (PT)
Ministério da Ciência, Tecnologia e Ensino Superior, Universidade de Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia
Responsible consumption and production
Openalex Percentile: Top 8%
Plant Growth Enhancement Techniques
3.60
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