Effect of biostimulants on soybean seedlings

Abstract

The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of biostimulants on the morphological characteristics of soybean seedlings. The testing was conducted in the laboratory of the Faculty of Biofarming in Bačka Topola. The experimental material included three soybean varieties ('Galina', 'Sava' and 'Rubin') selected at the Institute of Field and Vegetable Crops in Novi Sad. The study lasted for two years, 2015-2016, and identical biostimulant treatments were applied in both years. In order to determine the effect of biostimulants on soybean seedling root, hypocotyl and weight, the following commercial biostimulants were applied: EM Aktiv, Terra Green Hobby, Slavol and Bioplant Flora. In addition to the single application of biostimulants, two combinations of Slavol + Bioplant Flora and Slavol + Bioplant Flora + Epin Extra + Slavol S were used as treatments. EM Aktiv showed the greatest effect on root growth. The root was on average 12% longer than the control. Slavol S had the greatest influence on seedling hypocotyl and weight. The increase was 8.24% and 5.15%, respectively, compared with the control.