BIOSTISYM · Investigation of plant biostimulating properties of feather protein hydrolyzate and the effects on symbiotic microorganisms

Investigation of plant biostimulating properties of feather protein hydrolyzate and the effects on symbiotic microorganisms

One of the greatest challenges worldwide is the reduction of the negative environmental impact of modern agriculture. One often overlooked aspect here is the negative impact of intensive chemical inputs on the key ecophysiological features of terrestrial plants, symbioses with mycorrhizal fungi and other microorganisms. The use of environmentally friendly products such as plant biostimulants may hold the key to new sustainable crop production systems. Aim of the BIOSTISYM project was the development of a new biostimulant based on feather protein hydrolyzate which can enhance plant growth and act in synergy with symbiotic microbes or promote their growth. Huge quantities of feathers from poultry processing are usually landfilled or burnt causing environmental pollution. Such processing leaves valuable feather compounds untapped. The re-use of raw materials that are disposed of as waste is one of the key principles of the Circular Economy strategy of the EC. Also, EC Regulation No. 1069/2009 recommends that animal by-products are safely used for various applications in a sustainable manner, such as converting feathers into amino acids and peptides. Applied to plants, these compounds may enhance plant metabolic processes and improve crop growth performance. The changes in plant metabolism may affect also the interaction of the plant with symbiotic microorganisms. These microorganisms can considerably influence the growth and health of host plants that benefit from improved nutrient uptake and higher resistance to stresses. Therefore, the assessment of possible effects of the novel biostimulant on the interaction of the plant with the symbiotic microorganisms is essential to assure efficient sustainable crop management. BIOSTISYM project focused on winter wheat, as high doses of agrochemicals are commonly applied during the cultivation of this important crop. The use of biostimulants could partially reduce the need for the chemicals while maintaining a healthy soil ecosystem. The main objective was the characterization of interactions between symbiotic microbes and plant biostimulant by (1) Determination of biostimulating activity; (2) Determination of synergistic effects of the biostimulant and symbiotic microbes on plant growth promotion; (3) Determination of effects of plant biostimulant on the symbiotic microbes. Simultaneously, the researcher involved in the MSCA fellowship was supposed to acquire new knowledge in the field of symbiotic associations to reach professional maturity in the field of plant-microbe interactions.

Текст от CORDIS, на английски · Данни: CORDIS, © Европейски съюз