标题：The Effect of Botanical Extracts Obtained through Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction on White Head Cabbage (iBrassica Oleracea/i L. Var. iCapitata/i L.) Seedlings Grown under Controlled Conditions
摘要：This research presents the possibility of using innovative botanical extracts as biostimulants of plant growth to improve plant nutritional value, growth, and development. It is important to increase agricultural production but this process should be carried out in a sustainable way, without causing risks for both the environment and consumers. For this reason, we have focused on the use of 14 natural raw materials and ultrasound assisted extraction for the production of biostimulants. Results proved that higher plants can be used to obtain valuable products for the application in modern horticulture and agriculture. For instance, extract based on iUrtica dioica/i L. showed the highest biostimulatory properties: in the group sprayed with 0.1% extract cabbage seedlings were longer by 31%, while with 1.0% extract of iPolygonum aviculare/i L. roots were longer by 72% than in the control group treated with water. Extracts based on iEquisetum arvense/i L. (0.5%) and iUrtica dioica/i L. (leaf) (0.1%) increased the fresh weight of sprouts by 113% and 112%, respectively. The highest root weight was observed in groups treated with iEquisetum arvense/i L. (0.5%), iPolygonum aviculare/i L. (0.5%), and iUrtica dioica/i L. (leaf) (2.5%)#8212;heavier by 207%, 206%, and 205%, respectively. Most of biostimulants increased the content of pigments involved in photosynthesis (e.g. 156% more chlorophyll for 0.1% iHypericum perforatum/i L. extract), decreased the content of polyphenols (e.g. 47% less for 2.5% iTrifolium pretense/i extract), and showed a varied impact on antioxidant activity. There is an increasing interest in botanical extracts due to their high content of biologically active compounds and wide variety of application possibilities.
