Wood Distillate Foliar Spray Enhances Chickpea Yield and Nutrition

Introduction

With the growing need for sustainable agricultural practices, researchers are exploring natural alternatives to synthetic fertilizers and biostimulants. One promising solution is wood distillate (WD), also known as pyroligneous acid or wood vinegar—a byproduct of biomass pyrolysis rich in bioactive compounds such as polyphenols, alcohols, acids, and esters. A recent study examined the effects of foliar WD application on the growth, yield, and nutritional quality of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.), an important global legume known for its high protein content.

Experimental Design and Application

The study was conducted at the Botanical Garden of the University of Siena, Italy. Chickpea seedlings were transplanted into the field, with 20 plants selected for the experiment. Of these, 10 were treated weekly with a 0.25% (v/v) foliar spray of chestnut-derived WD (BioDea® WD, Italy), while the remaining 10 served as controls and were sprayed with water. The experiment lasted four months, spanning the chickpea growing cycle from March to July.

Key Findings

Yield and Seed Quality Improvements

  • Seeds with an 11.2% larger diameter and 33.3% higher weight compared to the control group.
  • Starch content in WD-treated seeds increased by 45.9%.
  • Total soluble protein content rose by 12.9%.
  • Polyphenol content increased by 16.4%, and total antioxidant power by 28.4%.

Amino Acid Composition Changes

  • Valine (+187.5%)
  • Isoleucine (+168.8%)
  • Tyrosine (+136.8%)
  • Aspartic acid (+105.8%)
  • Alanine (+96%)

Mineral Content Adjustments

  • Potassium (K) decreased by 11.3%.
  • Magnesium (Mg) decreased by 14.1%.

Implications

The findings highlight WD as an effective bio-stimulant for enhancing the nutritional profile of chickpea seeds. The observed increases in starch, protein, polyphenols, and antioxidant activity suggest that WD-treated chickpeas could offer superior dietary benefits, potentially aiding in efforts to address malnutrition.

This research supports the broader use of WD as a natural agricultural input to improve crop quality without relying on synthetic chemicals. Further studies could explore the impact of different WD concentrations and application frequencies, as well as its effects on other legume species.

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