Lignosulfonates-based biostimulant synergistically interacts with a black shade net to stimulate yield and quality of parsley cultivated in protected environment

Lignosulfonates (LS) are renewable materials derived from lignocellulosic biomass according to the sulfite process.
It is recognized that LS act as biostimulant since they modulate fertilizer behavior, with benefits in fertilizer-related applications.
In particular, there is evidence that LS can improve plant growth and development.
Therefore, new research efforts on the LS-derived biostimulants action could have a huge impact on sustainable agriculture.
Thus, the aim of the current research was to appraise the effect of the LS-based biostimulant ‘Statia’ on yield and quality of parsley (Petroselinum crispum Mill.) cultivated either under shaded (50% black shade net) or unshaded greenhouse. ‘Statia’ treatments significantly improved the yield of plants grown under shade.
The highest soluble solids content (SSC) was detected in non-shaded plants treated or not with the biostimulant, whereas non-biostimulated plants cultivated under shade revealed the lowest SSC. Shading negatively affected polyphenols concentration, whereas plants treated with ‘Statia’ had an opposite trend. ‘Statia’ treated plants under shade had the largest leaf area, followed by those grown under shade and non-biostimulated.
The lowest leaf area was observed in control plants (unshaded and non-biostimulated).

I International Symposium on Protected Cultivation, Nettings and Screens for Mild Climates

P. Bellitto, L. Vultaggio, B.B. Consentino, I. Karavidas, T. Ntanasi, G. Ntatsi, S. La Bella, L. Sabatino

biostimulant, sustainable horticulture, Petroselinum crispum Mill., greenhouse cultivation, green leafy vegetables

https://doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.2025.1437.26