Summary
This study evaluated three commercial Ascophyllum nodosum extract (ANE) biostimulants for their capacity to enhance drought tolerance in tomato (cv. Moneymaker) under controlled drought conditions. Although all three products derived from the same raw material, they provided markedly different levels of drought tolerance, with efficacy correlated to changes in osmolyte concentration and expression of the tas14 dehydrin gene. The findings suggest that product manufacturing processes create compositional differences that significantly influence the drought-protective capacity of ANE biostimulants.
Regional applicability
The study's greenhouse-based methodology and use of a commercial tomato cultivar have direct relevance to United Kingdom protected horticulture practice. Results may inform selection and formulation of biostimulant products for UK tomato growers seeking climate adaptation strategies, though field validation under UK growing conditions would strengthen transferability.
Key measures
Chlorophyll concentration, osmolyte levels, malondialdehyde (MDA) production, dehydrin isoform patterns, dehydrin gene expression (tas14), crop productivity under defined drought stress
Outcomes reported
The study compared three commercial Ascophyllum nodosum extract (ANE) biostimulants for their ability to enhance drought tolerance in tomato plants, measuring changes in chlorophyll, osmolyte levels, MDA production, dehydrin isoforms, and dehydrin gene expression. Different ANE products provided varying levels of drought tolerance, with variation correlated to osmolyte concentration and tas14 dehydrin gene expression.
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