Effect of Biostimulant Application on Plant Growth, Chlorophylls and Hydrophilic Antioxidant Activity of Spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.) Grown under Saline Stress

Irrigated agricultural lands are prone to salinity problems which may imperil horticultural crops by reducing growth, yield and even qualitative traits. Eco-friendly approaches such as biostimulant application in particular protein hydrolysates from vegetal origin implemented mitigate stress effects on crops. For this reason, a greenhouse experiment spinach irrigated with increasing concentrations of saline water (EC = 3 dS m?1 (EC3), 6 (EC6) 9 (EC9), addition non-saline treatment (EC0)) was organized, while plants were subjected foliar applications hydrolysate weekly basis. The helped the adverse stress, SPAD index total chlorophylls plants. Yield significantly boosted under conditions reached value obtained control (no biostimulants added) × EC0 case EC m?1. In addition, number leaves increased treatment, most importantly hydrophilic antioxidant activity spinach, thus aspect great importance also increased. Such results increase knowledge an important leafy vegetable help growers maintain high crop quality final product when no other source irrigation is available.