Influence of the Bioestimulant Larrea divaricata on the Quality of Neltuma alba Plants in Nursery

In our region, there has been a strong push towards establishing forest plantations with Neltuma alba (Algarrobo blanco), a species of great ecological and productive importance. Therefore, ongoing research on this species is crucial.

It is worth noting that for successful plantation establishment, it is essential to work with individuals exhibiting physiological and morphological characteristics that enable them to survive and adapt to field conditions after transplanting. Based on previous studies, the use of plant bioestimulants is suggested as a potential tool to reduce stress in N. alba plants during acclimatization and field planting stages. The aim of this study was to explore the potential of a phytoextract derived from Larrea divaricata (Jarilla) at different concentrations as a plant bioestimulant to improve the quality and stress response of N. alba seedlings.

This research involved sowing identified N. alba seeds in nursery tubes filled with a substrate composed of composted pine bark and perlite (50:50). Fungicides and insecticides were applied, and the irrigation program was adjusted according to environmental conditions and growth phases.

During the final nursery stage (acclimatization stage), the Larrea-based bioestimulant was applied at concentrations of 3% and 4%, with two applications every 7 days, to evaluate its effectiveness on plant growth and quality. Height and stem diameter at collar height were recorded, and plant quality indices were determined. The results suggest that Larrea is a bioestimulant capable of enhancing stress resistance and improving quality parameters in algarrobo blanco.