The Effect of Different Saccharomyces Cerevisiae Suspensions on the Vegetative Development of Ruccola

Abstract

Several studies investigate the effect of the foliar application of yeast suspensions on vegetative development; the results generally show a positive impact. This study aims to develop a technology, which fits into the practice of organic farming, and which is based on the use of S. cerevisiae suspensions; it aims to be applicable in small- and middle scale farming, and provides measurable yield increase.
As a part of a broader study, elicitor suspensions were prepared with the use of commercially available instant yield and S. cerevisiae NCAIM Y.00801 strain in two concentrations (0.1 and 1% v/v) and two frequencies (once, three times). Ten plants were collected on the seventh week after sowing. The measured vegetative parameters were: fresh weight, leaf weight, leaf number, leaf ratio, maximum leaf length, root weight, plant height, root length, root diameter. Results showed that lower concentrations had favorable impact mainly on fresh weight, plant weight, root diameter, and root weight. No clear difference were found between the effect of instant yeast and the applied strain.