Biostimulanter for at modvirke fytotoksiske skader

Conclusion

The objective of this experimental activity was to investigate the effects of four biostimulant products (Ambition Algae, YaraVita Optitrac, Nuvola OR, and Megafol) when applied as tank mixes with herbicide strategies in sugar beets.
All four tested products contributed to a significant reduction in phytotoxic damage, as assessed through visual observations. In trial treatment 4, where the standard strategy included 2xCentium after emergence of sugar beets, phytotoxic damage such as chlorosis and whitening of leaves was observed, ranging from 21.0% to 26.7%. When biostimulants Ambition Algae, YaraVita Optitrac, Nuvola OR, and Megafol were applied, this damage was reduced by approximately half, which was significantly lower than in treatment 4. However, no significant differences were observed among the four biostimulants. NDVI measurements (Normalized Difference Vegetation Index) supported the results of the visual assessments, showing higher NDVI values in the treatments receiving biostimulant applications. However, differences in NDVI values between the individual biostimulant treatments were not statistically significant.
The trials also indicated a tendency toward yield increases when biostimulants were used in combination with Centium after crop emergence. This trend, however, was not statistically significant.
This was the first year that Ambition Algae, YaraVita Optitrac, and Nuvola OR were included in NBR trials, underscoring the need for further studies to draw more definitive conclusions regarding their effects on yield. In contrast, the biostimulant product Megafol was tested for the third consecutive year, with analyses of eight trials conducted between 2022 and 2024 showing an average non-significant yield increase of 0.14 t/ha, corresponding to approximately 1%. Despite these positive results, this yield increase is deemed insufficient to offset the economic costs of using the product.
The use of biostimulants may become more relevant in the future, particularly in scenarios where access to “gentle” herbicides is reduced, and farmers increasingly rely on herbicides with higher phytotoxic impacts.