<div>Background: Humic acid is a natural bio-stimulant, which has a major influence on growth and crop quality. Also, Magnetic water treatment enhances both crop productivity and quality, which leads to the efficient use of cultivated land by using water resources available for crop production. This study aims to determine the effects of magnetized water irrigation and application of humic acid with different concentrations as a bio-stimulation on tomato plants, Solanum Lycopersicon cv. Hybrid &ldquo;86&rdquo;. 
 
Methods: The experiment was conducted during the tow growing seasons of 2018 and 2019 at the Agricultural Experimental Station Farm at Abies region, Faculty of Agriculture, Alexandria University, Egypt. The experiment design was split-plot with three replications. Two irrigation water treatments (magnetized and non-magnetic water) were arranged in the main plots and four concentrations of humic acid (0, 1, 2 and 3 g L-1) were distributed over sub-plots. 
 
Result: The results showed that irrigation with magnetized water had a positive effect on the vegetative growth traits, yield and its components and the quality of tomato fruits parameters. There was also a clear desirable effect of humic acid addition with different concentrations, as the results indicated that the use of the highest concentration of humic acid (3 g L-1) reflected the highest values for all the studied traits. The results of the interaction between irrigation with magnetized water and application of humic acid showed that the best results and the highest values for all studied characters were recorded when using magnetic water (MW) combined with 3 g L-1 of humic acid (HA), without significant differences from the interaction treatment MW combined with 2 g L-1 HA for most traits. However, the two treatments combinations MW with 2 g L-1 HA and Non-MW with 3 g L-1 HA didn&rsquo;t significant differ from each other for all studied characters at the two growing seasons. These results indicated that using the magnetic water with humic acid led to the possibility of reducing the amount of humic acid by one-third and enhances both crop productivity and quality of tomato plants. Generally, we can recommend using magnetized water irrigation with humic acid addition at concentration of 3.g L-1 or 2.g L-1 to enhance the productivity and quality of the tomato plant.&nbsp;</div>

<div>Enhancing the Productivity and Quality of Tomato using Magnetized Water and Humic Acid as Bio-stimulant Agents</div>

<div>Background: Changes in the climate of the world coupled with the indiscriminate application of chemical fertilizers are causing great challenges in agricultural production systems. However, such problems could be tackled by using bio-stimulants leading to the advancement of sustainable production. Thus, the current study was conducted with the purpose of improving quality traits and fruiting potential of tomato plants using albitbr&nbsp;bio-stimulant. 
 
Methods: The study involved seven doses of the albitbr&nbsp;bio-stimulant (0.1 L ha-1, 0.5 L ha-1, 1 L ha-1, 2.5 L ha-1, 5 L ha-1, 10 L ha-1&nbsp;and 50 L ha-1) applied on four tomato cultivars (Malets, Revansh, Talisman and Fonaric) to be compared against the control (lone water). The field was designed in a randomized block design and each treatment was replicated three times. Two plants were randomly selected from each plot for data collection. 
 
Result: Results indicated that Fonaric cultivar produced the highest significant values of carotenoid pigments, chlorophyll b and total chlorophyll. In addition to this, the highest significant values of number of fruiting trusses per plant and number of fruits per truss were obtained from Malets cultivar. Albitbr&nbsp;bio-stimulant application resulted into significant differences on most of the parameters. Albitbr&nbsp;applied at 5 L ha-1&nbsp;produced the highest significant values of total chlorophyll (1.966 mg g-1), chlorophyll b (0.759 mg g-1), number of fruits per truss (3.812) beta carotene (2.509 mg 100 g-1) whereas the highest levels of chlorophyll a (1.263 mg g-1) and lycopene (15.45 mg 100 g-1) were obtained from 2.5 L ha-1&nbsp;and 10 L ha-1&nbsp;respectively.</div>

Developmental and Quality Traits of Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum mill.) Cultivars as Affected by Albitbr Bio-stimulant

Background: Finger millet (Eleusine coracana) cultivated under semi-arid conditions often experiences significant yield gaps due to imbalanced nutrient management. Integrated nutrient approaches combining inorganic fertilizers with bio-stimulants may enhance nutrient use efficiency and crop productivity in such environments. 
 
Methods: A two-year field experiment was conducted during Rabi 2024-25 and 2025-26 at Hyderabad, India, to evaluate the integrated use of bio-stimulants with inorganic fertilizers on growth, yield and nutrient uptake of finger millet. The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design with eight treatments and three replications. The treatments included control (T1), 100% recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF; T2) and 100% RDF combined with seaweed extract (2 and 4 mL L-1; T3-T4), humic acid (2 and 4 mL L-1; T5-T6) and chitosan (2 and 4 mL L-1; T7-T8) were applied at tillering and pre flowering stage as foliar spray using knap sack sprayer. Pooled data of two years were subjected to statistical analysis, including correlation and regression studies. 
 
Result: Pooled analysis revealed that 100% RDF + humic acid @ 4 mL L-1 (T6) significantly outperformed all other treatments. It recorded the highest plant height (76.2 cm), tillers hill-1 (9.95), leaf area index (4.18) and dry matter production (5527 kg ha-1).&nbsp;The same treatment also achieved superior yield attributes, including productive tillers m-2 (128) and grains ear head-1 (515), resulting in the highest grain yield (2140 kg ha-1) and straw yield (3638 kg ha-1). Nutrient uptake was also maximum under T6 (N = 78.0, P = 13.1, K = 54.2 kg ha-1). Grain yield increased by approximately 27% over RDF alone and 106% over the control. Correlation and regression analyses indicated strong positive relationships between nutrient uptake and grain yield (R2&gt;0.9). The results demonstrate that integrating humic acid (4 mL L-1) with RDF enhances growth, nutrient use efficiency and productivity of finger millet under semi-arid conditions.

Integrated Application of Bio-stimulants and Inorganic Fertilizers on Growth and Productivity of Ragi (Eleusine coracana)

<div>Background: Blackgram [Vigna mungo (L.) Hepper] is one of the most important cultivated legume crops with high nutritive value and agricultural importance. The productivity of blackgram is not adequate to meet the domestic demand of the growing Indian population. Consequently, there is an urgent need for enhancement of productivity through proper agronomic practices. With this background, a research was conducted to investigate the effect of liquid rhizobium with organic bio-stimulants on growth, yield attributes, yield and economics of irrigated blackgram.&nbsp; 
 
Methods: A field experiment was laid out in randomized block design with three replications during 2021 (Kharif and Rabi) season. The treatments include 100% RDF foliar application of Dasagavya, liquid rhizobium, fish amino acid, panchagavya, pink pigmented facultative methylotrophs (PPFM) and sea weed extract with different concentration (1% and 3%, respectively) in addition to control.&nbsp; 
 
Result: The experiment results revealed that the application of 100% RDF + liquid rhizobium @ 1% recorded higher growth characters viz., plant height (cm), number of branches plant-1, dry matter production (kg ha-1), leaf area index, yield attributes, grain and haulm yield (kg ha-1). Correlation and regression analysis also indicated that the yield attributes had a positive impact on the grain yield.&nbsp;</div>

​Effect of Liquid Rhizobium with Organic Bio-stimulants on Growth, Yield Attributes and Yield of Leguminous Blackgram [Vigna mungo (L.) Hepper]

Background: Banana peel, a major by-product of banana consumption, is rich in plant nutrients and bioactive compounds with potential applications as a natural bio-stimulant in agriculture. Black gram (Vigna mungo) is an important pulse crop and its growth could be positively influenced by organic inputs. This study investigates the effects of aqueous extracts of various banana peel varieties on black gram germination and seedling development. 
 
Methods: Peels from five banana cultivars (Morris, Rasthali, Green, Nendran and Red banana) were soaked in distilled water (1:2 w/v) for 24 hours to prepare 5% and 10% aqueous extracts. These were tested alongside distilled water as a control in a seed germination assay using the paper towel method. Eleven treatments, each with three replicates, were evaluated for parameters including germination rate, root and shoot length, total seedling length, leaf number, fresh and dry weights and vigor indices I and II. response Index (RI) was used to assess treatment effectiveness relative to control. 
 
Result: Overall, 5% peel extracts had a more favorable impact on seedling growth than 10% extracts. F2 (Morris 5%) and F4 (Rasthali 5%) showed the highest values in root length (7.90 cm), shoot length (21.12 cm), total length (28.10 cm) and vigor index-I (2248). F6 (Green 5%) exhibited the highest dry weight (0.33 g) and vigor index-II (26.48). Among 10% extracts, F7 (Nendran 10%) had the highest fresh, dry weights and highest vigor index-II (27.36). Most treatments had a positive Response Index, supporting the stimulatory potential of banana peel extracts on the growth of black gram. 
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Bio Stimulant Potential of Different Banana Peel Aqueous Extracts on Black Gram (Vigna mungo)

Background: Field experiments were conducted at Annamalai University Farm during kharif seasons of three consecutive years from 2020-2022 to find out the effect of potassium and bio stimulants on growth and yield of dolichos bean.&nbsp; 
 
Methods: The experiments were conducted in RBD and replicated thrice. The treatments viz.,&nbsp; T1- Control (without foliar nutrition), T2- Foliar application of KNO3 @ 1%+panchagavya @ 3%, T3- Foliar application of KNO3 @ 1% + panchagavya @ 6%, T4- Foliar application of KNO3 @ 1% + seaweed extract @ 2%, T5- Foliar application of KNO3 @ 1% + seaweed extract @ 4%, T6- Foliar application of potassium humate @ 1% + panchagavya @ 3%, T7- Foliar application of potassium humate @ 1% + panchagavya @ 6%, T8- Foliar application of potassium humate @ 1% + seaweed extract @ 2% and T9- Foliar application of potassium humate @ 1% + seaweed extract @ 4%. The dolichos bean variety Arka Jay was used for this study.&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 
Result: The result of present investigation indicated that the growth and yield parameters viz., plant height, branches plant-1, pods plant-1, pod length and single pod weight were found to be superior in treatment T5 as compared to control. The higher yield (15.16 t ha-1) of dolichos bean was significantly improved due to application 1% KNO3 + seaweed extract @ 4% (T5) followed by T4 and T1 over the control. The same treatment fetched the highest net return of Rs. 81626 ha-1 with a benefit cost ratio of Rs.1.79.

Synergistic Effect of Potassium and Bio Stimulants on Growth and Yield of Dolichos bean [Lablab purpureus (L.) Sweet]

Background: The study on the effect of sweet corn (Zea mays saccharata L.) to varying tillage methods and seaweed bio-stimulant application was carried out at the Experimental Research Farm, Department of Agronomy, SAS, Nagaland University, Medziphema, Nagaland during Kharif season of 2021-2022. 
 
Methods: The experiment was laid out in the split-plot design (SPD). The treatment consisted of three tillage practices (conventional tillage, minimum tillage and zero tillage) in the main-plots while sub-plots received two different types of seaweed-sap from species i.e. Kappaphycus alvarezii (K-Sap) and Sargassum wightii (S-Sap) with three concentrations (5, 10 and 15%) used for seed treatment followed by foliar spray at three different stages of crop growth. 
 
Result: Analysis of variance revealed significant differences among the tillage practices and concentration and species of seaweed sap for maximum traits under studied. Growth attributes, yield attributes and yield was found to be significantly higher in CT as compared to MT and ZT at all crop stages. Similarly application of S-Sap upto 10% concentration resulted in significantly higher values as over K-Sap.

Response of Sweet Corn (Zea mays saccharata L.) to Varying Tillage Methods and Seaweed Bio-stimulant Application

<div>Background: The influence of inorganic fertilizer has posed considerable challenges on increasing food production worldwide. A careful plan is required to increase the yield and quality of crops. A profound knowledge on the use of organic manure involvement in plant growth and development could be beneficial for food production. The use of acceptable inorganic and different concentrations of vermicompost has been used in an attempt to enhance crop growth and development with the aim of increasing food production.&nbsp;The aim of the study was to investigate the impact of vermicompost tea concentrate extracted from cow manure and grass cutting on physiological responses of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum).Vegetative growth and yield of tomato was stimulated by mineralization of organic waste coupled with the mesophilic action of earthworm. Vermicompost is a by-product of earthworm tissues. It is a nutrient source rich in essential components for plant growth and development. 
 
Methods: An investigation was conducted in pot media under exposed natural conditions from August 2020 to November 2020 at Mangosuthu University of Technology. In this experiment, the growth of tomato plants were subjected to different vermicompost concentrations and amended with NPK fertilizer were studied. Sandy loam soil of about 5 kg were weighted into pot media (2.0mheight, 2.3m diameter). The experiment was set up in a completely randomized block design consisting of five treatments with five replicates per treatment. Treatments included: Positive control (PC), 5%VCL+NPK, 10% VCL+NPK, 20%VCL+NPK and the inorganic (NPK).&nbsp; 
 
Result: Results revealed that there were significant differences at (P&lt;0.01) among the treatments with respect to plant height and number of leaves from week three to week eight. Similar trends were found with 5% VCL+NPK, 10% VCL+NPK, 20% VCL+NPK and the NPK treatments. This may be due to phytohormone release from earthworm tissue. Tomato flower inflorescence was significant at (P&lt;0.01).&nbsp; Tomato fruit, different components at harvest which were, weight wet and dry weight were higher with NPK treated at (P&lt;0.01) than the 5% VCL+NPK, 10% VCL+NPK. Root length in 20% concentration was considerably higher than the other treatments. The results showed that minimum supplementation with inorganic fertiliser may be necessary with vermicompost leachate in order to successfully grow crops in nutrient deficient soil.</div>

Vermicompost Leachate a Viable Bio-stimulant for Tomato Growth and Yield (Solanum lycopersicum)

Background: The objective of modern agriculture includes environmental sustainability, low production costs and higher productivity. A biostimulant is a plant material or any other organic compound that not only improves the nutritional aspects also enhances the yield of crops. Black gram and soybean crops of immense economic significance. The growth and yield of these crops are limited by supply of nutrients. Biostimulants consists of amino acids and peptides which helps in growth and development of crops. 
 
Methods: The field experiment conducted with randomized complete block design and 4 replications. Effects of different biostimulants at different concentrations as foliar spray and seed treatment for both crops were examined on growth, yield parameters and yield of black gram (TAU-1) and soybean (JS-335) was carried out during kharif 2020. 
 
Result: Results showed that foliar application of Quantis biostimulant @ 5 ml L-1 recorded higher growth, yield parameters&nbsp; and seed yield (922 kg ha-1), biological yield (1245 kg ha-1) and production efficiency (13.36 kg day-1 ha-1) in black gram and seed treatment with Epivio Energy @ 200 ml 100 kg-1 fetched higher seed yield (1439 kg ha-1), biological yield (1535 kg ha-1) and production efficiency (2974 kg day-1 ha-1) along with higher growth, yield parameters in soybean. It can be concluded that biostimulants will help in achieving higher growth and yield of black gram and soybean.

Response of Blackgram (Vigna mungo L.) and Soybean (Glycine max L.) to Novel Bio Stimulants in North Eastern Dry Zone of Karnataka

Background: Soil is a crucial natural resource and its health has been deteriorating at an increased pace. The application of biostimulants in different cropping systems could improve soil health by increasing the soil buffering capacity while also encouraging the proliferation of beneficial soil microbes. The soil microbial activity provides an indicative response to plant growth and yield while promoting soil health. 
&nbsp; 
Methods: The experiment was performed in a spilt plot design with 3 replications and 16 treatment combinations. The main plots consist of M1: sole wheat, M2: sole chickpea, M3: wheat: chickpea (2:1), M4: wheat: chickpea (4:1) and subplot treatments includes S0: control, S1: Seaweed extract, S2: Humic and fulvic acid and S3: Amino acids. 
&nbsp; 
Result: The main plot treatments received a boost in the microbial activities through foliar application of biostimulants with sole chickpea (M2) receiving a remarkable increase in SMBC (245.72, 269.09, 263.61 &micro;g g-1), DHA (12.71, 24.00, 19.46 &micro;g TPF g-1&nbsp;soil day-1) and UEA (1.30, 4.64, 4.05 &micro;g urea N g-1&nbsp;soil min-1) respectively at 45 DAS, 90 DAS and at harvest. Also, the seaweed extract treatment (S1) enumerated the highest SMBC (252.22, 276.27, 269.26), DHA (15.13, 25.97, 20.82) and UEA (1.32, 4.58, 4.24) respectively at 45 DAS, 90 DAS and at harvest. The other biostimulant treatments S2 (humic and fulvic acid) and S3 (amino acids) also performed well in comparison to the control. This study realises the importance of biostimulants for enhancing soil biological properties for better soil health.

Enhancing the Productivity and Quality of Tomato using Magnetized Water and Humic Acid as Bio-stimulant Agents

Developmental and Quality Traits of Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum mill.) Cultivars as Affected by Albit^br Bio-stimulant