Effect of Glutamic Acid and 6-benzylaminopurine on Flower Bud Biostimulation, Fruit Quality and Antioxidant Activity in Blueberry

Blueberry is a highly demanded and consumed fruit due to its beneficial effects on human health, because of its bioactive compounds with a high antioxidant capacity. The interest in increasing the yield and quality of blueberries has led to the application of some innovative techniques such as biostimulation. The objective of this research was to assess the effect of the exogenous application of glutamic acid (GLU) and 6-benzylaminopurine (6-BAP) as biostimulants on flower bud sprouting, fruit quality, and antioxidant compounds in blueberry cv. Biloxi. The application of GLU and 6-BAP positively affected bud sprouting, fruit quality, and antioxidant content. The application of 500 and 10 mg L^-1 GLU and 6-BAP, respectively, increased the number of flower buds, while 500 and 20 mg L^-1 generated fruits with higher content of flavonoids, vitamin C, and anthocyanins and higher enzymatic activity of catalase and ascorbate peroxidase enzymes. Hence, the application of these biostimulants is an effective way to enhance the yield and fruit quality of blueberries.

Strawberry Biostimulation: From Mechanisms of Action to Plant Growth and Fruit Quality

The objective of this review is to present a compilation of the application of various biostimulants in strawberry plants. Strawberry cultivation is of great importance worldwide, and, there is currently no review on this topic in the literature. Plant biostimulation consists of using or applying physical, chemical, or biological stimuli that trigger a response-called induction or elicitation-with a positive effect on crop growth, development, and quality. Biostimulation provides tolerance to biotic and abiotic stress, and more absorption and accumulation of nutrients, favoring the metabolism of the plants. The strawberry is a highly appreciated fruit for its high organoleptic and nutraceutical qualities since it is rich in phenolic compounds, vitamins, and minerals, in addition to being a product with high commercial value. This review aims to present an overview of the information on using different biostimulation techniques in strawberries. The information obtained from publications from 2000-2022 is organized according to the biostimulant's physical, chemical, or biological nature. The biochemical or physiological impact on plant productivity, yield, fruit quality, and postharvest life is described for each class of biostimulant. Information gaps are also pointed out, highlighting the topics in which more significant research effort is necessary.

Interactive Effects of the Potassium and Nitrogen Relationship on Yield and Quality of Strawberry Grown Under Soilless Conditions

K and N are the nutrients with the highest influence on yield and fruit quality. From this perspective, the aim of this study was to determine the effect of N as NO₃⁻, K⁺ and their interactions on the yield and quality of strawberries grown under soilless conditions. A solution comprised of micronutrients based on an amended Steiner’s Universal Nutrient Solution was mixed with 4 levels of K⁺ (5, 7, 9 and 11 mol m⁻³) and 3 levels of NO₃⁻ (9, 12, and 15 mol m⁻³) to obtain 12 treatments. The results suggest that 15 mol m⁻³ of NO₃⁻ in the nutrient solution produced the highest yield, but fruit with low nutraceutical quality. On the other hand, 11 mol m⁻³ of K⁺ in the nutrient solution produced the highest yield and fruit with the best nutraceutical quality. The ionic concentration of the Universal Steiner’s Nutrient Solution proved to be the best nutritional option to maximize the yield and nutraceutical quality of strawberry fruit. The increase in NO₃⁻ concentration in the nutrient solution produced a higher yield of strawberries, while a higher concentration of K⁺ improved fruit quality, thus reaffirming the significance of nutrients within the plant functioning of this crop.

Foliar Aspersion of Salicylic Acid Improves Phenolic and Flavonoid Compounds, and Also the Fruit Yield in Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.)

The aim of this research is to evaluate the effect of foliar application of salicylic acid (SA) on the yield and phytochemical content in hydroponically grown cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.). (1) Background: The importance of Mexico's cucumber production is based on its cultivation in recent decades as one of the major winter crops; in addition, the production of vegetables under hydroponic systems has increased significantly during the last few years, with cucumber being one of the vegetables with a high economic potential. (2) Methods: A completely randomized experimental design with 15 repetitions was used. SA at five doses (0.075, 0.1, 0.15, 0.25, and 0.5 mM) and one control (distilled water) was sprinkled weekly on cucumber plants. The evaluated variables were yield (total fruit weight per plant), fruit parameters (length, size and firmness), and nutraceutical quality of cucumber. (3) Results: Low concentrations of SA improve the yield and high concentrations decrease it, but the nutraceutical quality of fruits is improved, as compared to the control treatment. (4) Conclusions: In order to obtain a higher content of bioactive compounds without affecting the yield and commercial quality of cucumber fruits, it is advisable to use the average concentration (0.15 mM) of SA.