Biostimulants in initial Growth of DiscoveryTM Bermudagrass

Author(s)

Patrick Luan Ferreira dos Santos ^[1] ; Alessandro Reinaldo Zabotto ^[2] ; Philippe Solano Toledo da Silva ^[3] ; Matheus Vinícios Leal do Nascimento ^[4] ; Leandro José Grava de Godoy ^[5] ; Armando Reis Tavares ^[6] ; Roberto Lyra Villas Bôas ^[7]

Affiliation

^[1] Universidade Estadual Paulista. Faculdade de Ciências Agronômicas - Brasil

^[2] Universidade Estadual Paulista. Faculdade de Ciências Agronômicas - Brasil

^[3] Universidade Estadual Paulista. Faculdade de Ciências Agronômicas - Brasil

^[4] Universidade Estadual Paulista. Faculdade de Ciências Agronômicas - Brasil

^[5] Universidade Estadual Paulista. Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias do Vale do Ribeira - Brasil

^[6] Instituto Agronômico - Brasil

^[7] Universidade Estadual Paulista. Faculdade de Ciências Agronômicas - Brasil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Ornamental Horticulture; v. 30, 2024-03-15.

Abstract

Abstract The use of bacteria and seaweed extracts as biostimulants to enhance plant growth holds promise for sustainable turfgrass management. This study aimed to investigate the effects of soil application of Azospirillum brasilense (bacterium) and Ascophyllum nodosum (seaweed) extract on the initial growth of DiscoveryTM bermudagrass. The study was conducted using a completely randomized design with plots measuring 0.25 m², each with a 0.5 m border. Two separate experiments were conducted, each involving four doses of biostimulants and five repetitions. The biostimulant treatments consisted of 0, 2, 4, and 6 mL L¹ A. brasilense inoculant and 0, 5, 10, and 15 mL L¹ A. nodosum seaweed extract. These treatments were uniformly applied to the soil at a rate of 100 mL m², with applications at 0, 30, and 60 days after the start of the experiment. After 90 days, the parameters green color index, green cover rate, turfgrass height, and vegetation index (normalized difference), were evaluated. The results indicated that both biostimulants significantly promoted the initial growth of DiscoveryTM bermudagrass. As the doses of the biostimulants increased, there was a corresponding increase in biomass and improved development of the turfgrass. The most pronounced responses were observed with a dose of 6 mL L¹ of the bacteria inoculant and 15 mL L¹ of the seaweed extract. These biostimulants fostered better turf coverage, making it challenging for weeds to establish, and potentially accelerating the production of sod grass. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 14/05237-1 - Growth of Tifway 419 bermudagrass under differents fertilization and irrigation managements
• Grantee: Roberto Lyra Villas Boas
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants