Biostimulant action of protein hydrolysates on crops

Publication date: 27/07/2020
Extent: 24 pages

Contributions by: Giuseppe Colla, University of Tuscia, Italy; Youssef Rouphael, University of Naples Federico II, Italy; Mariateresa Cardarelli, Consiglio per la ricerca in agricoltura e l’analisi dell’economia agraria, Centro di ricerca Orticoltura e Florovivaismo, Italy; Luigi Lucini, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Italy; and Andrea Ertani, University of Turin, Italy

Chapter synopsis: Protein hydrolysates are a category of plant biostimulants containing a mixture of polypeptides, oligopeptides and amino acids that are manufactured from animal or plant derived-protein sources using partial hydrolysis. Protein hydrolysates are used for foliar applications and to a lesser extent as soil and seed coating applications to promote crop performances in open field and greenhouse conditions. The current chapter provides an overview of the origin and production process of protein hydrolysates and their beneficial effects on nutrient use efficiency, crop tolerance to abiotic stress, and quali-quantitative traits of crops. The chapter concludes by illustrating advanced research approaches for understanding the mode of action of PHs and optimizing rates, and application time.

DOI: 10.19103/AS.2020.0068.06