FAIRFIELD UNIVERSITY

A commercial extract of humic acids, kelp extracts and a proprietary metabolite (ROOTS’®) was tested as a biostimulant for growth enhancement of field-tested bedding plants. Tested cultivars included Basil (Sweet and ‘Spicy Globe’), Begonia Chives (common and garlic), Coleus ~‘Park’s Brilliant,’ Cosmos ‘Sunny Red,’ Dill ‘Bouquet,’ Dusty Miller ‘Silverdust,’ Eggplant ‘Burpee Hybrid,’ Forget-Me-Not ‘Blue Bird,’ Geranium ‘Scarlet Border,’ Impatiens ‘Parade of Stars’ and ‘New Guinea Tango,’ Marigolds ‘Gay Ladies,’ ‘Nugget’ and ‘Climax,’ Oregano, Pepper ‘Park’s Early Thickset, Petunia ‘Total Madness,’ Salvia ‘Red Hot Sally’ and Tomatoes ‘Good ‘n Early,’ ‘Early Girl,’ ‘Big Boy,’ and ‘Better Boy.’ Roots®enhanced bedding plant growth in terms of increased height, earlier flowering, increased flowering and increased fruit production. Natural biostimulants, such as kelp extracts and humic acids, are known to stimulate growth. The fortification of such extracts with proprietary metabolites appears to offer promise as a growth biostimulant.

A one percent solution was utilized for experimentation, based upon two criteria. Studies at the Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Studies by G. Berlyn and R. Russo showed that the optimal concentration for growth with Loblolly pine was one percent (private communication). A preliminary test of a one percent solution on tomatoes propagated by seed showed substantial root and shoot growth differences over controls.

Experiments were initiated in the greenhouse at Fairfield University during the late winter and early spring. Seeds were planted in standard plastic flats (6.5 x 4.5 x 2.5 inches). At least two flats of each cultivar were sown. The following bedding plant cultivars from Park Seed and W. A. Burpee Company were planted: Basil (Sweet and ‘Spicy Globe’), Begonia ‘Scarlet Wings,’ Broccoli ‘Bonanza,’ Celosia ‘Firedragon,’ Chives (common and garlic), Coleus ‘Park’s Brilliant,’ Cosmos ‘Sunny Red,’ Dill ‘Bouquet,’ Dusty Miller ‘Silverdust,’ Eggplant ‘Burpee Hybrid,’ Forget-Me-Not ‘Blue Bird,’ Geranium ‘Scarlet Border,’ Impatiens ‘Parade of Stars’ and ‘New Guinea Tango,’ Marigolds ‘Gay Ladies,’ ‘Nugget’ and ‘Climax,’ Oregano, Pepper, ‘Park’s Early Thickset,’ Petunia ‘Total Madness,’ Salvia ‘Red Hot Sally’ and Tomatoes ‘Good ‘n Early,’ ‘Better Boy,’ ‘Good ‘n Early and ‘Big Boy.’

The propagation medium was Jiffy Mix Plus. Prior to planting the seeds, the propagation media was wetted thoroughly with a one percent solution of ROOTS~ prepared with distilled water. The control was wetted with distilled water only. No wetting agent was used. The flats were placed on a heating mat set at 720°F. except for broccoli, chives, dill, dusty miller and forget-me-not, which were germinated at 650°F. Flats were covered with clear plastic and illuminated with 16 hours of fluorescent light daily.

Plastic coverings were removed at the first sign of germination. Flats were then transferred to the greenhouse benches for further growth at a day/night temperature of 68/62°F. Normal watering was carried out until the first true leaves were well-developed. Then flats were watered with a one percent solution of ROOTS, and subsequently at two week intervals. Normal watering was used in between times. When the first true leaves touched, seedlings were transplanted to flats with increased spacing. Depending on size, flats generally held six to twelve transplants.

At normal transplanting times, some plants were sacrificed for examination of the root system. Plants and propagation mixture were removed intact from the flats. These were then placed in water to cover the pr.opagation media. After the media disintegrated, the transplants were removed carefully and placed on paper towels to absorb moisture. Because of fine particle adherence to root hairs, dry weights were not attempted. Roots were carefully teased with a metal probe for good visualization of the root system. The best and worst transplant from each flat was chosen to indicate range and overall differences. Photographs were taken. Dry weights were also determined.

Small garden plots were set up in Stamford, CT and Killington, VT. Prior to field transplanting, the transplants were hardened outdoors gradually over a two week period. At normal transplanting times, the plants and propagation mixture were removed intact from the flats. Plants were carefully separated and field-planted through a black plastic mulch.

Broccoli was transplanted on May 2nd at Stamford. On May 20th, the following transplant were placed at the Stamford site: basil, begonia, celosia, coleus, cosmos, dill, dusty miller, eggplant, forget-me-not, geranium, impatiens, marigold, oregano, pepper, petunia, salvia and tomato. On June 9th, chives, geranium, pepper and tomatoes were planted at the Vermont site.