First lettuce harvested in Bio4safe biostimulant project

The Bio4safe biostimulant pilot project started off in August 2017. It's a collaboration between various partners from Belgium, France and the United Kingdom and is coordinated by the Belgian Test Center for Horticulture (PCS). They are researching the effects of biostimulants on nutrient use, tolerance against abiotic stress and crop quality. The aim of the project is to reduce water and fertilizer use by applying biostimulants in combination with innovative sensors.

In order to measure the effects of the biostimulants, various tests are being conducted with different crops, including tomatoes, lettuce, strawberries, chrysanthemums and tulips. The lettuce tests take place at Pôle Légumes Région Nord in France. The first lettuce was harvested last week and is currently being examined by Yncréa Hauts de France, établissement ISA Lille (France).

Chrysanthemum trials
In a few weeks, Proeftuin Zwaagdijk will finish the first trials with chrysanthemums, which are investigating the effects of four different seaweed products and a mycorrhizal fungus. In addition to measuring the branch length and the fresh and dry weight, they will also analyse nitrogen absorption. A certain amount of the nitrogen isotope 15N has been applied to the potting soil in which the chrysanthemums are grown. By measuring the amount of this isotope present in the plants at the end of the test, it can be determined whether the biostimulants increased nitrogen absorption.

Seaweed as a biostimulant?
In addition to carrying out these tests, Noordzeeboerderij has worked on mapping both the existing and the potential biostimulant market. The potential of this market appears to be very substantial. Moreover, further research will be done about using seaweed as a biostimulant. For example, which varieties are being cultivated, and are they suitable for use as biostimulants?

Source: Proeftuin Zwaagdijk