The use of biostimulants and chelated fertilizers as part of managing oilseed flax productivity

Abstract

Purpose. The objective of the study was to investigate the effectiveness of complex physiologically active preparations depending on the method and timing of application in the cultivation of oil flax in the eastern forest-steppe zone of Ukraine.
Research methods. Experimental studies were conducted at the Experimental Field Research Center of the State Biotechnological University in 2021–2025. The field experiment was set up according to a full factorial design in accordance with generally accepted methods. The plots were arranged systematically. Pre-sowing seed treatment was carried out using the semidry dressing method on the eve of sowing with the Quantum Silver preparation, which is intended for both seed preparation and foliar feeding. For foliar feeding, chelated fertilizers containing macro- and microelements and other physiologically active substances were used – Quantum Silver and Brexil Mix, as well as growth stimulants Aminomax and Megafol.
Results. Studies have shown that various options for the application of complex multifunctional physiologically active preparations affected the productivity of plants and the yield of oil flax. Pre-sowing seed stimulation combined with foliar feeding in the best variant contributed to an increase in plant height by 7,9 % compared to the control, the formation of a greater number of capsules and seeds per plant by 34,3 % and 26,7 %, and an increase in the weight of 1000 seeds by 3,2 %, respectively.
Conclusions. Pre-sowing treatment of seeds with the complex preparation Quantum Silver contributed to an increase in the yield of oil flax by 0,11 t/ha, or 8,8 % compared to the control. Fertilizing flax with complex fertilizers together with growth stimulants in the stem extension phase ensured the highest yields: in the variant with Quantum Silver and Aminomax, the yield (1,53 t/ha) increased by 0,29 t/ha (+23,4 %), and in the variant with Brexil Mix and Megafol (1,59 t/ha) – by 0,36 t/ha (28,2 %) compared to the control. Additional fertilization during the budding phase did not lead to an increase in yield compared to fertilization during the stem extension phase.