Evaluation of Microalgae and Aromatic Plant Extract Biostimulants on the Performance of the H-1015 Processing Tomato Variety

The extensive utilisation of chemical fertilisers and pesticides in agricultural contexts has precipitated substantial environmental degradation, thereby amplifying the repercussions of climate change. Furthermore, this overuse poses a threat to the sustainability and resilience of global food production systems. The utilisation of microalgae-based biostimulants is a novel and sustainable approach that has the potential to enhance crop productivity and resilience, while reducing dependence on chemical pesticides and their negative effects. The present study evaluated the effectiveness of two novel microalgae-based formulations on the performance of processing tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) crops under field conditions in Spain and Portugal. The formulation comprised enzymatically hydrolysed biomass from L. platensis, N. gaditana and A. obliquus, in combination with olive mill wastewater (alpechin) and aromatic plant extracts. The mixture was applied through drip irrigation and foliar spraying. The application of combined foliar and drip treatments resulted in a substantial enhancement in gross yield up to 51.9%. Concurrently, the acceptable raw material yield demonstrated a notable increase up to 44.9%. Furthermore, an increase in average fruit weight by 2–9 g was recorded. A subsequent foliar nutrient analysis revealed elevated concentrations of N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, and Cu in the plants treated with biostimulants, achieving 3.61, 52.94, 5.96, 36.53, 22.28, 60.41 and 71.32% respectively in the plot L4 with foliar treatment. Although the efficacy of pest control measures was slightly lower than that of conventional pesticides, no significant increase in the incidence of diseased was observed. These findings indicated that microalgae-based biostimulants have the potential to function as sustainable agricultural inputs capable of enhancing crop yields and quality while reducing dependence on chemical fertilisers and pesticides. The outcomes of the study demonstrate the efficacy of microalgae-based formulations in enhancing the yield and quality of tomato crops. This is achieved while maintaining optimal plant health and reducing the reliance on synthetic fertilisers and pesticides.