Biostimulant prevents yield loss and reduces oxidative damage in tomato plants grown on reduced NPK nutrition

Summary

This study investigated whether foliar application of Viva® biostimulant could mitigate oxidative stress and preserve yield and fruit quality in two tomato hybrids (Ombeline F1 and Bostina F1) grown with 40% reduced NPK fertilisation. The biostimulant reduced antioxidant enzyme activity (SOD and POD) in leaves and maintained key fruit quality metrics and yield despite reduced macronutrient supply, suggesting biostimulants may enable reduced mineral fertiliser input without compromising productivity or nutritional quality. The authors propose biostimulants as an environmentally friendly tool to lower dependence on synthetic fertilisers whilst preserving plant cell homeostasis and stress adaptation.

Regional applicability

The study does not specify its geographic location; transferability to United Kingdom tomato production (whether outdoor, polytunnel or glasshouse) would depend on confirmation of the biostimulant's efficacy under UK growing conditions, cultivar choice and climate. The principle of using biostimulants to reduce mineral fertiliser input aligns with UK sustainable intensification policy, though independent validation in UK conditions would be advisable before industry adoption.

Key measures

Superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, peroxidase (POD) activity, total soluble solids, total acidity, ascorbic acid content, lycopene content, yield

Outcomes reported

The study measured the effects of foliar-applied biostimulant (Viva®) on oxidative stress markers (SOD and POD enzyme activity), fruit quality parameters (total soluble solids, acidity, ascorbic acid, lycopene), and yield in tomato hybrids grown with 40% reduced NPK nutrition. Results demonstrated that biostimulant application maintained fruit quality and yield whilst reducing oxidative damage even under reduced macronutrient fertilisation.

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