Climatic hazards are constantly impacting agro-ecosystems and crop development.
Abiotic stresses are caused by changes or extreme environmental conditions such as drought, severe temperature variations, frost, wind, hail, excess water, high salinity levels, etc. These climatic variations destabilize the crop environment and generate stresses that impact plant productivity, mainly during sensitive periods such as flowering and fruit set.
Furthermore, these abiotic stresses can occur at different stages of crop development, causing several waves of losses:
- At emergence,
- During vegetative development,
- During the most critical reproductive phase, which can lead to significant yield losses.
For several years now, our teams have been conducting abiotic stress trials throughout Europe.
We have experimental platforms where we can modulate irrigation to obtain greater or lesser stress (both in intensity and duration) according to the needs of the study.
To assess water stress on crops, we carry out traditional field ratings (on characteristics observable to the eye, in the field, for example, depending on the crop: leaf curl, stage shift, number of inflorescences, number of fruits, etc.) and harvest ratings (yield and quality components (depending on the crop: PMG, PS, size, protein, BRIX, etc.).
Ratings are also carried out using digital tools (Greenseeker or drone: NDVI (Normalized Difference Vegetation Index: vigor/quantity of vegetation); Canopeo application (% soil cover by crop); etc.).
Samples can also be taken for laboratory analysis when specific markers are known (e.g. Delta C13 for vines).
In terms of monitoring soil and climatic conditions, we have soil probes (capacitive and tensiometric) which enable us to assess the state of hydric comfort/stress of crops over time, to manage water inputs and/or a posteriori, to interpret the results of ratings. We also have access to comprehensive meteorological data (including evapotranspiration), which we can supply to our customers.
This map shows some of the locations where we can set up abiotic stress trials.
click on each point to see what type of testing can be carried out.
Some examples of trials:
Maize trial in France
The aim of the trial was to verify the model used to forecast the crop’s water requirements. We set up a strip irrigation control system to compare 3 modalities: no irrigation, irrigation using a forecasting model and conventional irrigation.
Oilseed-rape in Austria and Romania
The aim of the trial is to test the drought tolerance of different varieties.
We set up mirror trials: one with irrigation, one without.
Cauliflower trial in Spain
The aim of this trial is to assess the efficacy of a biostimulant on leafy vegetables affected by drought stress.
We manage the level of drought stress by monitoring the plant’s reaction to the lack of water. After a few days showing clear symptoms of drought stress, irrigation is resumed. We then assess and analyze the vigor of each plot: untreated and treated with biostimulants, and with or without irrigation.
Corn trial in Italy
The aim of this trial is to assess a biostimulant effect on grain corn resilience under water stress, comparing 3 trials : one untreated with full irrigation, one untreated with reduced irrigation and one treated with a biostimulant and with reduced irrigation.
In order to control water stress as effectively as possible, this trial is carried out in a tunnel under controlled conditions.
Each trial having its own objective and layout, do not hesitate to anticipate your requests in order to enable us to adapt to your needs.
Whatever the purpose: biostimulant trials under the AFNOR norm 17700-3 (abiotic stress) or variety trials, our team is at your disposal to meet your needs and to succeed the trials: contact@staphyt.com
