Page 40 - CSHS 2022 Book of Abstracts - 2022-08-22 web version

CSHS 2022 Conference

Abstracts – Poster Presentations

(VP.1) Poultry waste extract, and pyrolytic and hydrothermal carbonization process liquids
effect on kale seed germination and growth
Yuxuan Tang, Efoo Bawa Nutsukpo*, Lokanadha Rao Gunupuru, Lord Abbey
Department of Plant, Food, and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Dalhousie University, Bible Hill, NS
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Recycling and re-use of organic wastes can be an effective supplement for expensive and unsafe fertilizers. However,
the impact of most organic extracts on seed germination and seedling growth is understudied. This study
investigated the biostimulatory effect of varying concentrations (i.e., 0 - 2% v/v) of poultry waste extract (PW),
pyroligneous acid derived from white pine (PA), and hydrothermal carbonization of sea lettuce (SL) on kale
(Brassica oleracea var. acephala D.C) seed germination and growth. Initially, the highest germination of kale seeds
occurred in the 2% PW treatment but was overtaken by the control treatment as time progressed compared to all
the other treatments. Root elongation of kale seedlings was significantly (P ˂ 0.05) reduced by 0.5% and 1% PA
treatments compared to the other treatments including the control. In general, each of the biostimulant significantly
(P ˂ 0.05) enhanced kale leaf area, plant height, leaf colour, chlorophyll content, and intercellular CO2 concentration.
The 1% PW and 0.25% SL significantly (P ˂ 0.05) increased plant height by approximately 13%. PW significantly (P
˂ 0.05) improved kale fresh weight by up to 35% while 0.5% PA significantly (P ˂ 0.05) increased plant fresh weight
by approximately 26%. Furthermore, SL at 1% and 0.25% significantly (P ˂ 0.05) improved kale fresh weight by
approximately 29% and 24%, respectively. The results suggested that kale seed germination and plant growth
differentially responded to the different biostimulants. Overall, PW seems to be the best biostimulant, but further
investigation is required prior to recommendation to growers.

(VP.2) Pyroligneous Acid increases Tomato Yield and Nutritional Quality
Raphael Ofoe , Raymond H. Thomas , Lord Abbey
1
2
1*
1. Department of Plant, Food, and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Dalhousie University, Bible Hill, NS; 2.
School of Science and the Environment, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St John’s, NL
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Pyroligneous acid (PA) contains bioactive compounds that can be utilized in agriculture to improve plant
productivity and quality of edible parts. In this study, we investigated the biostimulatory effect of varying PA
concentrations (i.e., 0%, 0.25%, 0.5%, 1%, and 2% PA/ddH2O (v/v)) on tomato (Solanum lycopersicum ‘Scotia’)
plant growth and fruit quality under greenhouse condition. Total number of tomato fruits was significantly (p <
0.005) increased by approximately, 66% and 34% following application of 0.5% and 0.25% PA, respectively. The
0.5% PA significantly (p < 0.01) enhanced total weight of fruits by approximately, 26%; while the 0.25% PA
increased elemental composition of the tomato fruits. However, the highest PA concentration of 2% significantly (p
> 0.05) reduced yield, but significantly (p < 0.001) enhanced tomato fruit juice Brix, electrical conductivity, total
dissolved solids, and titratable acidity. Additionally, total phenolic and flavonoid contents were significantly (p <
0.001) increased by the 2% PA. But the highest carotenoid content was obtained with the 0.5% and 0.1% PA
treatments. Furthermore, PA treatment of the tomato plants resulted in a significantly (p < 0.001) high total
ascorbate content, but reduced fruit peroxidase activity compared to the control. These indicate that PA can
potentially be used as a biostimulant for a higher yield and nutritional quality of tomato.

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