Synergistic Effect of a Plant-Derived Protein Hydrolysate and Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi on Eggplant Grown in Open Fields: A Two-Year Study

Plant biostimulants, such as plant protein hydrolysates (PHs) and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AM), are natural products capable of increasing the yield quality crops decreasing ecological impact growing cycles. However, there is little research on mutual application different categories biostimulants (microbial non-microbial). The current study was conducted to examine effects “Trainer” PH (0 or 3 mL L−1) AM (R. irregularis) inoculation growth, yield, nitrogen indices ”Birgah” F1 eggplant cultivated for two years (2020 2021). Results revealed that combined significantly enhanced total marketable yields, average fruit weight number fruits by 23.7%, 36.4%, 19.0% 11.1% compared non-treated plants (control), respectively. Moreover, increased soluble solids content (SSC), chlorogenic acid, anthocyanins, K Mg in 16%, 4.6%, 6.4%, 8.6% 23.9% control plants, Interestingly, improved reducing glycoalkaloid concentration (−19.8%) browning potential (−38%). Furthermore, both exerted a synergistic action, enhancing use efficiency uptake 26.7% 18.75%, On other hand, productive fruit-quality features were influenced year due remarkable differences terms maximum temperature between first second cultivation Overall, our underlined can positively interact improve performance open fields.