“`html

Introduction

In tomato cultivation, biostimulants have emerged as an effective solution to improve both productivity and fruit quality. These compounds, which include microorganisms and natural extracts, act on various biological processes of the plant, optimizing nutrient absorption and increasing stress tolerance. In this article, we will explore in depth the effect of biostimulants on tomato cultivation, based on recent research and practical experience in the sector. Additionally, we will address biostimulants for tomatoes, their application, doses, and results.

Definition and Function of Biostimulants

Biostimulants are substances and/or microorganisms that, when applied to crops or the rhizosphere, stimulate natural processes to improve nutrient absorption, nutrient efficiency, abiotic stress tolerance, and crop quality. They are used as sustainable alternatives to synthetic fertilizers, being suitable for both organic and conventional agriculture.

Active Components and Their Functions

• Salicylic Acid: Acts as a plant hormone, increasing the resistance of plants to extreme temperatures and diseases. Its application has been shown to increase the production of phytoalexins, compounds that help plants defend against pathogens. According to studies, the application of salicylic acid can increase resistance to fungal diseases by 40%.
• Formic Acid: Functions as a potent antioxidant that mitigates plant stress. Studies have shown that its application can reduce oxidative damage in plant cells, promoting more robust growth. An experiment revealed that the use of formic acid can reduce water stress by 35% under drought conditions.
• Indolebutyric Acid: Auxin that promotes root growth, which in turn improves water and nutrient absorption. Its use has been shown to increase root development by up to 30% under controlled conditions. This is crucial for tomato cultivation, as a robust root system is essential for efficient nutrient absorption.
• Quinetin (Cytokinin): Increases pollen viability and the number of set fruits. Research indicates that cytokinins can enhance photosynthesis and delay leaf aging, resulting in higher production. In trials, a 20% increase in fruit setting has been documented following cytokinin application.
• Ascophyllum Nodosum Extracts: Improves photosynthetic behavior by increasing chlorophyll activity. Its application has shown a 15% increase in photosynthetic efficiency in tomato crops. Additionally, this extract has been found to improve salt stress tolerance.
• Humic and Fulvic Acids: Stimulate enzymes that promote nutrient assimilation, facilitating the availability of essential nutrients. Their use has been shown to increase water retention capacity in the soil, improving overall plant health. Under poor soil conditions, their use can result in a 25% increase in nitrogen and phosphorus availability.

Biochemical Mechanisms of Action

Biostimulants act through various biochemical mechanisms that optimize plant physiology. Research has shown that the combination of microbial biostimulants with non-microbial biostimulants produces synergistic effects that maximize individual benefits. For example, the use of plant protein hydrolysate along with microbial biopesticides has shown positive results in crop health and performance.

Specific Mechanisms of Action

Biostimulants can affect plant physiology in several ways, including:

• Stimulation of Enzymatic Activity: Biostimulants can increase the activity of key enzymes involved in photosynthesis and nitrogen metabolism, resulting in healthier growth. Studies have demonstrated that the application of seaweed extracts can increase nitrate reductase enzyme activity by 50%.
• Modulation of Cellular Signaling: The application of biostimulants can activate signaling pathways that promote stress resistance, enhancing the plants’ ability to cope with adverse conditions. For example, salicylic acid has been observed to activate the signaling pathway of defense genes, increasing resistance to pathogens.
• Improvement of Nutrient Absorption Efficiency: Biostimulants can facilitate the mobilization of nutrients in the soil and their absorption by the roots, resulting in better growth and development. It has been shown that the use of humic acids can increase iron absorption by 40% in acidic soils.

Recent Scientific Studies

Recent research has evaluated the action of combined biostimulant formulations in tomatoes. A specific study used 12 different treatments on the Microtom variety. The results indicated that biostimulants not only improved yield in terms of fruit quantity but also positively impacted the organoleptic quality of the tomato.

Effects on Yield and Quality

Treatments with salicylic acid and kaolinite showed a significant increase in the number of fruits and nutritional quality. In a field trial, a 25% increase in the yield of tomatoes treated with biostimulants was reported compared to the control group. Additionally, the quality of the fruit, measured in terms of soluble solids content and acidity, also improved significantly. However, post-harvest variables did not show significant improvements with the isolated use of biostimulants, suggesting that the combination of different biostimulants may be key to maximizing yield and quality. In controlled studies, it has been observed that the combination of Ascophyllum Nodosum extracts and salicylic acid can increase soluble solids by 30%.

Comparative Studies

A comparative study in greenhouses evaluated the use of biostimulants versus traditional fertilizers. The results showed that crops treated with biostimulants achieved a 30% increase in fruit production, while crops treated only with chemical fertilizers showed a 15% increase. This highlights the importance of biostimulants in improving yield under intensive cultivation conditions. In another study, it was found that biostimulants improve the quality of tomatoes, increasing antioxidant content by 20% compared to standard treatments.

Application Doses and Methods

The application of biostimulants is commonly done by foliar spraying. An application schedule is recommended at critical moments of crop development, such as flowering, and it is suggested to consult the

“`