Search Results (2)

The present research aimed to improve the extraction efficiency of polyphenolic compounds from nettle and sage, using an improved hybrid ultrasound—percolation extraction method. A factorial experimental design was employed to systematically evaluate the influence of key extraction parameters: pressure (5, 6, and 7 bar), extraction time (60, 90, and 120 min), and ultrasound power (80, 100, and 120 W) on the total polyphenol content (TPC) of the resulting extracts. The obtained extracts were comprehensively analyzed in terms of total polyphenol concentration, micro- and macronutrient content, and antioxidant activity. Based on the results, optimal extraction conditions were determined and subsequently used to formulate a biostimulant solution derived from nettle and sage. To validate the agronomic efficacy of the formulated biostimulant, greenhouse trials were conducted on tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) and pepper (Capsicum annuum) plants. The impact of the treatment was assessed by monitoring vegetative growth (total dry mass), chlorophyll content, and crop productivity. The central hypothesis is that systematic variation of the hybrid ultrasound-assisted percolation process parameters will reveal a range capable of significantly improving the polyphenol yield and antioxidant activity of nettle and sage extracts. We further used these improved extracts to increase certain health indicators and overall productivity in tomato and pepper plants. At the end of the growing period, the treated plants showed an increase in dry mass of 22% for tomatoes and 20% for peppers relative to controls samples. Furthermore, productivity showed a substantial increase, rising by 38.6% for tomatoes and 53% for peppers. Chlorophyll content also increased by up to 20% in tomatoes and up to 22% in peppers, showing better plant health. Full article

Enhancing the efficacy of biofertilizers and biopesticides for horticultural applications presents numerous challenges, given the need to balance effectiveness with environmental and economic factors. Achieving these goals requires rigorous research into advanced technologies and formulations capable of effectively replacing or complementing traditional chemical inputs, without compromising crop yield or quality. The present study aimed to develop a versatile and yet accessible hybrid percolation–sonication system and method, designed to optimize polyphenol extraction from nettle and sage plants. The resulting extracts were combined and applied on organic tomato crops, to evaluate their biofertilizer and biopesticide effectiveness, in comparison to conventional chemical inputs. Operating the equipment in a hybrid percolation–sonication system led to a 36% increase in polyphenols extraction for nettle and a 29% increase from sage. Regarding the effect on tomatoes, data showed that plants treated with biofertilizer extracts were over 42.88% more productive than control samples and 17.67% more productive than tomatoes treated with chemical fertilizers. Tomato plants treated with biofertilizers grew approximately 10% taller and developed stems that were 5% thicker compared to those treated with chemical fertilizers. Full article