Biostimulants combined with water soluble fertilizer had little effect on transplant growth and pepper yield grown under greenhouse conditions

Abstract

ABSTRACT Information on benefits of commercial biostimulants is needed due to the lack of unbiased claims and increased interest and use of commercial biostimulants by growers. This study assessed growth, yield, and quality of bell pepper (Capsicum annuum L.), ‘Ace,’ grown using the commercial biostimulants (Bioyield®, Environoc 401®, MA Endomaxx®, Rootshield Plus + WP ®, Select®, and Spectrum+Myco®) and 2 concentrations of N fertilization. Transplant size was not improved by biostimulant treatment. At harvest, Environoc 401® and Select® caused production of more fruit with 50% or more color. Bioyield® reduced dry weight by ~25% with no reduction to yield. Microbial-based biostimulants inconsistently improved growth and quality of ‘Ace’ bell pepper under a greenhouse and commercial fertilizer program. Commercial biostimulants may prove their value with more applications prior to fruit set or in the field, where other yield limiting factors come into play.