Integrated application of a commercial biostimulant improves growth, root development, and biomass accumulation in Coffea arabica seedlings
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.14295/bjs.v5i6.872Keywords:
plant growth regulators, inthernursery production, seed treatment, foliar fertilization, root architectureAbstract
The use of plant biostimulants has emerged as a promising strategy to improve seedling quality and sustainability in coffee production systems. This study evaluated the effects of the integrated application of a commercial biostimulant on the growth and biomass accumulation of Coffea arabica seedlings under nursery conditions. The experiment was conducted in a randomized complete block design with two treatments, control and biostimulant application, and twenty replications. The commercial product Enervig Leg® was applied during seed treatment (6 mL kg-1 of seeds) and by foliar spraying (150 mL per 200 L of water) during the early vegetative stage. Growth and biomass variables were evaluated at 180 days after emergence. Biostimulant-treated seedlings showed significant increases in plant height, stem diameter, shoot dry mass, and root dry mass compared to the control treatment. Shoot dry mass increased by 37.7%, while root dry mass increased by 104.5% in treated plants. The treatment also promoted greater root system development and more balanced biomass allocation between shoot and root components. The low coefficients of variation observed for all variables indicated high experimental precision and uniformity of responses under nursery conditions. The results demonstrate that the integrated use of plant biostimulants can improve seedling vigor and structural development in Coffea arabica, representing a promising strategy to optimize nursery management and support sustainable coffee production systems.
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