‘BIO-ADAPTATION’: Innovative biostimulants in greenhouse cultivation of tomatoes

Georgia Datsi, associate professor at the Laboratory of Vegetable Production of the Agricultural University of Athens, is implementing innovative biostimulants in greenhouse tomato cultivation through the ‘VIO-PROSARMOGI’ (BIO-ADAPTATION) Operational Group. ‘YX’ reached out to the scientific director of the project funded by Measure 16, as well as to two producers participating in it, asking them for an initial review of the project’s benefits in both the field and the environment.

As confirmed by those directly involved, the use of these biostimulants contributes to, among other things, the optimum nutrition of the plant, significant improvement of the physical and organoleptic characteristics of the fruits produced, noticeable enhancement of productivity, and the rational use of inputs, with significantly more efficient use of water and nutrients.

Georgia Datsi, associate professor at the Laboratory of Vegetable Production, AUA: “Increase of up to 15% in greenhouse tomato production thanks to proper use of innovative biostimulants”

The scientific director of the BIO-ADAPTATION project funded by Measure 16 shares the initial conclusions from the field with ‘YX’

Ms. Datsi, could you please start by describing the key climate change challenges that greenhouse tomato cultivation faces?

In greenhouse tomato cultivation, climate change increases – whether directly or indirectly – the pressure of biotic and abiotic stresses on cultivation and cultivation practices. More specifically, climate change is drastically limiting available irrigation water resources and it is responsible for both rising average daily temperatures and extreme temperature shifts.

The individual or combined action of the above abiotic stresses drastically affects the plant’s metabolic processes, compromising the growth and yield of the crop, and the quality of the end product. At the same time, the decrease in water reserves leads to the accumulation of salts either directly in the irrigation water – significantly degrading its quality – or in the plant’s root ball, due to reduced leaching. Therefore, in addition to the direct impact on water availability, climate change also induces salt stress, further aggravating plants’ use of the already limited water available.

In addition, abiotic stresses, which affect either the uptake of water by plants or the accumulation of salts in the plant’s root ball, equally affect the intake of nutrients and, therefore, the efficiency of nutrient use. At the same time, the milder climate conditions, mainly during the winter growing season, favour the rapid development of large populations of natural enemies of plants, significantly increasing the need for more powerful chemical methods of response.

Therefore, climate change is intensifying the already existing stresses on cultivation and cultivation practices, making the management of irrigation, nutrition and plant protection particularly demanding. At the same time, the relatively low-tech equipment of greenhouses, which mainly concerns the majority of covered crops in Greece, as well as the available genotypes, which almost exclusively concern high external input crop systems, exacerbate the current situation.

What are the major findings from the use of biostimulants in the project, and specifically the reduction of water and fertiliser consumption?

In this pilot project, there was a large heterogeneity in cultivation practices among producers, which mainly concern plant protection, the time when the crops are planted, the length of the growing season, planting density, the pruning of plants and the variety cultivated, and the growing conditions, which mainly concern the soil type, the technological equipment and architecture of the greenhouse.

However, considering the relatively limited availability water, the use of high-salinity water, the sufficiency of nutrients available in soil and the relatively mild winter climate conditions as common characteristics among producers, the correct application of formulations led to an increase of up to 15% in total production per plant, and in several cases it significantly improved the physical and organoleptic characteristics of the fruits produced. Under given external inputs of water and fertilisers, an increase in performance was recorded with the application of biostimulants, so we can conclude that their proper use significantly increases the efficiency of water and nutrient use.

Did the producers welcome the application of biostimulants and other technologies that the project promotes?

At the start of the pilot project, the team at the Laboratory of Vegetable Production held meetings with the producers – members of the ‘Anatoli’ and Tympaki agricultural associations in Crete. During these meetings, the producers were briefed by the Agricultural University of Athens (AUA) and the companies manufacturing the biostimulants being studied on the importance and mode of action, use and application of different types of biostimulants.

Beyond the biostimulants, the NPV team presented and informed producers about new technologies and cultivation practices that favour the development of efficient and sustainable cultivation systems. When presented with the most significant limiting factors for increasing their yields in the new era of climate change, the producers showed an increased interest in adopting both the application of biostimulants as a new sustainable cultivation practice and new technologies to increase the efficiency of plants’ use of water and nutrients.

At the same time, during the execution of the pilot project, the coordination of the producers by the agricultural associations, along with the consistency of the producers in the correct application of the preparations and the recording of the necessary data, was key to carrying out the project and properly evaluating the preparations.

What factors determine the effectiveness of biostimulants in different soil types and in relation to the climate? How can the project contribute to the wider adaptation of agriculture to climate change conditions?

The effectiveness of using biostimulants is influenced by many factors, the most important being stress intensity, specificity of the biostimulant type with regard to the type of stress, and the genotype being cultivated. More specifically, as the intensity of stress increases, so does the effectiveness of biostimulant application. At the same time, different types of biostimulants are recommended for different stresses, and this is attributed to the different mode of action of each preparation, while there is significant specialisation in the interaction of the plant with various preparations, especially when these preparations involve microbial biostimulants. What’s more, apart from selection of the appropriate biostimulant, its correct and consistent application based on the technical datasheet of each preparation is equally important.

According to the main findings of the project, the use of biostimulants is a sustainable cultivation practice for increasing the efficiency of water and nutrient use by plants under mild stress conditions, significantly improving greenhouse tomato cultivation yields and the quality of the product produced.

Planting lines with the application of the biostimulants under study at the facilities of producer Sofia Gerogiannaki, a member of the ‘Anatoli’ Agricultural Association.

Georgia Kopidaki, member of the Tympaki Agricultural Cooperative, Heraklion, Crete: “As a producer, I highly recommend the use of the new formulations”

How did you decide to participate in the BIO-ADAPTATION Operational Group’s pilot project with biostimulants? Had you received any information regarding this technology?

After being briefed by the Tympaki Agricultural Cooperative and the company that supplied us with the preparation, we decided to participate in the programme so that we could see for ourselves the results in our crops. Of course, prior information had been provided on biostimulant technology – before we used it.

Regarding plant growth, did you notice any effect from the use of biostimulants? Was there an increase in production or improvement in the quality of the tomatoes?

The plants appeared to be more robust, vivid and dark green. Production was partially increased and quality was consistently the same throughout the growing season.

Do you think the use of biostimulants is worth it in the long term for your production? Would you recommend that other producers try it?

A plant-based preparation like this could cause no harm whatsoever to any crop. So, as a producer, I would recommend its use unreservedly.

What do you think about the use of new technologies in agricultural production?

We would like to see the use of new technologies introduced to cultivation. This will really be a very interesting development in the cultivation of agricultural products.

Do you think it’s helpful to create operational groups of different players in the agri-food chain (cooperatives, businesses, universities, research bodies, etc.) for the implementation of innovations in agricultural production? What would you say were the most important benefits from participating in the project team, for you as a producer and for your cooperative as a whole?

Certainly, the creation of such groups could be useful, with benefits running both ways for both the producer and the participating organisations. The benefits of participating in the programme were primarily the exchange of views and know-how with people and organisations trying to support producers.

Sofia Gerogiannaki, member of the ‘Anatoli’ Agricultural Association, Ierapetra, Crete: “The biostimulants I used offered quantitative and qualitative improvement of my crop”

Why did you choose to participate in the BIO-ADAPTATION Operational Group’s pilot project?

My decision to participate in a pilot project with biostimulants is due to several factors, including information on technology and recognition of the benefits it offers. As a farmer, I want to participate in such initiatives to explore innovative practices that can improve the performance of my crop, increase the fertility of my soil and enhance sustainability.

I found out about the Operational Group from publications and agricultural product reports, as well as from discussions with other producers and agronomists who are already using this technology. Biostimulants are increasingly promoted for their potential to support crops under stress, such as drought and salinity, or to reduce the need for traditional fertilisers.

Did you make any changes to your cultivation practices? If so, what exactly did you do?

The introduction of biostimulants into my crop brought some changes in care and management. They alter my fertilisation schedule and the frequency with which I apply fertiliser to enhance plants without excessive use of conventional fertilisers.

Reduction in fertiliser use: I reduced the amount and frequency of fertiliser application, as biostimulants boosted nutrient intake.
More frequent or targeted sprays: I applied biostimulants every 15 days in specific growth phases of the crop, such as flowering, the fruiting stage, for maximum effectiveness.

Were there any visible differences in your production as a result of the use of biostimulants?

Yes, the use of biostimulants had a visible effect on plant growth and tomato production, especially in my crop.

Specifically, after using biostimulants, I noticed:

An increase in production: Biostimulants helped improve fruit set and reduce flower falls, leading to higher total fruit production.
Improved fruit quality: My tomatoes had improved color, size and taste, as biostimulants helped plants better absorb nutrients.
Better Stress Resistance: I observed that the plants were more resistant to stress, such as high temperatures – which there were plenty of last year – ensuring more stable and healthy growth.
Faster and uniform maturation: Plants grew more evenly and fruits matured more gradually, which facilitated harvesting.

Overall, the biostimulants I used offered me both quantitative and qualitative improvement, making my cultivation more tolerant and productive.

Would you recommend that other producers try out these biostimulants? And if so, why?

In the long term, the use of biostimulants seems to be worthwhile for many producers, as they offer significant advantages that enhance the sustainability and stability of production. Reasons why I would recommend them to other producers include:

Improved productivity.
Better-quality product.
Tolerance of environmental pressures.

If biostimulants are used correctly and are part of a broader sustainable management plan, it is a worthwhile investment that I would strongly recommend to other producers.

Do modern producers have any choice but to use new technologies?

I believe that the use of new technologies in cultivation is a powerful tool for improving the yield, quality and sustainability of production. Adopting these technologies helps us, as producers, to cope with modern challenges, such as climate change, the need to reduce chemical inputs, and the increase in demand for high-quality products.

In short, the new technologies offer important advantages, such as:

More precise management: Through precision farming, producers can manage fertiliser, water and pesticide use in a more targeted manner, reducing costs and environmental impact.
Improved quality and higher yield: Technologies such as biostimulants, autonomous machinery, drones and soil sensors help with more effective plant care, boosting productivity and overall quality.
Enhanced sustainability: Technologies that reduce the need for resources or improve waste management (e.g. composting, recyclable materials) contribute to environmental protection.
Better Data Analysis: Collection and analysis of data from crops allows producers to better understand the needs of plants and adapt their care, increasing yield and reducing losses.
Adaptation to climatic conditions: New methods, such as biostimulants, greenhouse technologies and water management systems, help plants tolerate changes in climate conditions.

In general, the adoption of new technologies is a necessary step in enhancing the competitiveness and long-term sustainability of our crops.

Based on your experience, do you consider it helpful to create operational groups with the participation of different players in the agri-food chain to implement innovations in agricultural production?

Yes, the creation of operational groups with the participation of different organisations in the food chain, such as cooperatives, universities, research centres and technology companies, is extremely helpful in promoting innovations in agricultural production. These groups enable a collaborative approach that combines theoretical knowledge and practical experience, strengthening rural development and accelerating the adoption of new technologies.

The major benefits I gained from my participation in the Operational Group were the following:

Access to knowledge and innovation: As a producer, I benefited directly from the expertise of universities and research institutes, learning about new methods and technologies that can increase efficiency and reduce costs. For example, applying biostimulants or precision farming is easier to understand and apply if you have expert guidance.
Enhancing competitiveness and productivity: Collaborating on innovative projects helped me, as a producer, and our cooperative to improve the quality and quantity of products, making us more competitive on the market. Through these projects, we can gain access to tools and methods that it would otherwise be difficult or expensive to adopt individually.
Financial support and exploitation of financing: Our participation in operational groups facilitates access to European and state subsidies for innovative projects, reducing economic risk and allowing production to grow at a lower cost.
Networking and collaboration: Through my participation in the group, as a producer I can establish ties with other organisations in the food chain, such as processors and sellers. This helps improve the commercial chain and create partnerships that enhance the overall value of products.
Improving sustainability: Expert guidance and access to new practices help reduce the use of chemicals and improve the management of natural resources. So our cooperative and I, as a producer, were able to implement more sustainable and environmentally friendly practices.

Overall, operational group collaboration offers us, the producers, and our cooperatives not only tools and knowledge, but also a platform to strengthen our position in the market by promoting innovation and sustainable practices.