Effect of a herbicide and biostimulants on the content and uptake of selected micronutrients by edible potato tubers

The research material consisted of table potato tubers harvested in a three-year field experiment carried out at the Agricultural Experimental Station in Zawady of University of Siedlce in 2018-2020. It was set up in triplicate on tawny soil. The main factor were two mid-early potato cultivars, Oberon and Malaga, and the sub-plot factor included five options of treatment with a herbicide and biostimulants: 1. control, 2. the herbicide Avatar 293 ZC, 3. the herbicide Avatar 293 ZC and the biostimulant PlonoStart, 4. the herbicide Avatar 293 ZC and the biostimulant Aminiolant, 5. the herbicide Avatar 293 ZC and the biostimulant Agro-Sorb Folium. The objective of the study was to determine the impact of biostimulant and herbicide applications on the content and uptake of selected micronutrients by potato tubers. Manganese (Mn) and copper (Cu) contents were determined in tuber dry matter using an ICP-OES spectrometer (Perkin Elmer, Optima 8300, USA). Higher Cu content was found in cv. Malaga tubers compared with Oberon, while greater uptake of both elements (Mn, Cu) with tuber yield was determined in cv. Oberon due to its higher yield. An application of biostimulants increased the Cu content as well as Mn and Cu uptake compared with control tubers. The most beneficial effect was produced by using the biostimulant Agro-Sorb Folium. Manganese and copper were significantly affected by the weather during the study years. It should be added that the agricultural sector has recently become increasingly aware of the environmental impact of the measures used, and in this context, biostimulants are gaining popularity to improve the quality of crops, minimizing the negative impact on the environment.