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Abstract
Crop bio-stimulants derived from commercial marine algae extracts have been known
to improve yields in fruits and vegetable crops in conventional production system. Therefore,
studies of biostimulants in organic management system are needed to determine their potential
impact on yield. In organic management system ten cultivars of eggplant (Nubia, Fairy Tale,
Dancer, Beatrice, Calliope, Orient Charm, Barbarella, RosaBianca, Machiaw and Shooting Stars)
were selected to evaluate bio-stimulant effect. Ten cultivars of eggplant (Solanum melongena L.)
were treated weekly with Stimplex® (5 mL/L) (liquid seaweed extract of Ascophyllum nodosum)
and Biozest® (20 mL/L) crop bio-stimulants as foliar spray. Half of the plants in a row (5 plants)
were sprayed weekly and the other half of the plants (5 plants) were untreated as a control. The
organically managed, experimental design was a randomized complete block with 3 replications
consisting of rows spaced 3' apart with plants spaced 2' between each plant within a row. Results
showed that Stimplex® treated plants performed better than biozest treated plants. Marketable
yields were higher in Stimplex® treated plants of Nubia (10.7%), Fairy Tale (42.5%), Dancer
(31.9%), Beatrice (27.8%), Barbarella (13.9%), Machiaw (84.2%) and Shooting Stars (9.9%) than
their respective untreated controls. Higher marketable yields were obtained in Biozest® treated
plants of Nubia (35.8%), Beatrice (10.3%), Orient Charm (1%), Rosa Bianca (68.8), and Shooting
Stars (55%) relative to their respective untreated controls. The remaining cultivars produced lower
or non-significant yields. These results suggest that bio-stimulants may increase yields in eggplant.
Additional research trials are needed to fully explain the effects of bio-stimulants in organically
managed commercial production of eggplant.