Non-Destructive Assessment of Leaf Chlorophyll, Flavonols and Anthocyanins Content in Sweet Corn Hybrids Grown Under Different Trichoderma spp. Treatments
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Increasing interest in sustainable crop production has emphasized the need for biostimulants capable of enhancing plant physiological parameters while reducing dependence on chemical inputs.In this context, the present study assessed the effects of two Trichoderma strains (T.harzianum and T. brevicompactum) on chlorophyll, epidermal flavonols, anthocyanins, and the nitrogen balance index (NBI) in two sweet corn hybrids under field conditions.Non-destructive measurements were performed using the Dualex Scientific sensor every two weeks across six phenological stages, and data were analyzed through a three-way ANOVA to evaluate week, hybrid, and treatment effects.Week was the dominant source of variation for all parameters.Both Trichoderma strains increased chlorophyll indices, with the most significant differences recorded in week three, where chlorophyll content increased by up to 68% in Bonanca and 84% in Union compared with the control.Flavonol content increased significantly in later stages, particularly in weeks three and five, while anthocyanin responses were hybridspecific and expressed through significant interaction effects.NBI values also improved, mostly in week six in Bonanca and week five in Union.Overall, the findings show that Trichoderma spp.induce specific physiological responses in sweet corn and highlight the value of non-destructive sensing for monitoring these effects in field conditions.
DOI: 10.55817/midy4905
Language: English
Subfield: Plant Science
Domain: Life Sciences
SDG: Zero hunger
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7164967512