THE INFLUENCE OF BIOSTIMULANTS ON THE GROWTH, DEVELOPMENT, AND PRODUCTIVITY OF BROOMCORN (SORGHUM VULGARE VAR. TECHNICUM)
Abstract
The purpose. Establishing the regularities of the influence of presowing seed treatment and foliar feeding with biostimulants on morphophysiological indicators, the rates of phenological phases, and the final productivity of the crop. Methods. The study of biostimulants' impact on broomcorn is typically based on field experiments conducted in triplicate, involving seed treatment and foliar application. The methodology includes phenological observations and measurement of biometric parameters (plant height, leaf area). The data is derived from standard scientific methodology established in agronomic research. Results. The article addresses the pressing issue of intensifying broom corn cultivation technology amidst climate change through the application of modern growth biostimulants. In the conditions of the Southern Steppe of Ukraine, where moisture deficit and temperature stress are limiting factors, the search for effective means to support plant adaptability acquires strategic importance. It has been proven that treating plants during critical developmental phases (tillering and booting) ensures an increase in the length and branching of the technical part of the panicle, which is a key quality indicator for broom corn. Particular attention in the study is paid to the analysis of yield structure and biometric characteristics of the technical raw material. Field and laboratory research demonstrated that a two-fold treatment of plants during the most critical phases of organogenesis – tillering and booting – provides a significant improvement in panicle architecture. Specifically, an increase in the length and branching of the technical part of the panicle was recorded, directly influencing its market value and quality parameters. The scientific novelty of the obtained results lies in revealing the complex mechanism of the synergistic effect of biostimulant components (amino acids, chelated trace elements, and phytohormones) on the crop's stress resistance. For the first time, the impact of these products on the regeneration capacity of sorghum after prolonged temperature shock is described in detail. It was established that the stimulation of antioxidant enzyme synthesis allows plants to restore metabolic activity and growth rates more rapidly after exposure to extreme conditions. The practical significance of the research results consists in the development and substantiation of an improved scheme for biopreparation application, which ensures an increase in the yield of dry matter and technical raw materials. The implementation of the proposed measures into the technological process allows for increasing the profitability of broom corn cultivation in conditions of risky farming, ensuring the sustainable development of the region's agricultural sector. Conclusion. The study confirmed that the use of biostimulants in broomcorn cultivation technology is an effective tool for production intensification in Southern Ukraine. Complex treatment of seeds and crops during critical phases (tillering and booting) optimizes plant growth, improves panicle structure, and enhances the quality of technical raw materials. Due to the synergistic effect of the preparations, the crop's stress resistance and regenerative capacity after temperature shocks are increased. The implementation of the improved biostimulant application scheme ensures stable yields and increases the profitability of broomcorn under risky farming conditions.
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