Fulvic acid increases forage legume growth inducing preferential up-regulation of nodulation and signalling-related genes.

ABSTRACT: The use of potential biostimulants is of broad interest in plant science for improving yields. The application of a humic derivative called fulvic acid (FA) may improve forage crop production. FA is an uncharacterized mixture of chemicals and, although it has been reported to increase growth parameters in many species including legumes, its mode of action remains unclear. Previous studies of the action of FA have lacked appropriate controls, and few have included field trials. Here we report yield increases due to FA application in three European Medicago sativa cultivars, in studies which include the appropriate nutritional controls which hitherto have not been used. No significant growth stimulation was seen after FA treatment in grass species in this study at the treatment rate tested.

SUBMITTER: Capstaff NM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7501823 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature