A leaf litter fermented product as a source of low-molecular-weight compounds with potential to enhance cold tolerance of Begonia grandis

Abstract

A leaf litter fermented product (LLFP) was prepared via aerobic fermentation of leaf litter of Betula pendula by indigenous microflora. The LLFP exerted effects on the growth and cold tolerance of Begonia grandis plants cultivated outdoors under the conditions of the forest-steppe zone of West Siberia. Despite the sufficient data on the positive effects of similar products as biostimulants and boosters of stress tolerance, there is a gap in information about their active ingredients. The biggest gap is related to low-molecular-weight components. Chromatographic profiling of the LLFP in comparison with green leaves and leaf litter of B. pendula as performed by high-performance liquid chromatography revealed a significant decrease in the concentrations and number of phenolic compounds. The chromatographic profile of the LLFP showed salicin and oxalic, ascorbic and gallic acids as the main extracted organic compounds. Meanwhile, a substantial amount of indoleacetic acid (1.26–4.13 ng mL⁻¹) and traces of abscisic acid and t-zeatin were revealed by liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry. The LLFP showed dose-dependent free-radical–scavenging activity. The results indicate that phytohormones, most likely of microbial origin, are the main active ingredients of the LLFP. Phenolic compounds can enhance antioxidant properties of B. grandis plants and soil health; besides, organic acids improve assimilation of nutrients from soil. The results hold promise for a uniform approach to the assessment and prediction of the quality of plant fermented products for their wide dissemination as ecofriendly and sustainable products.

Keywords

Begonia grandis / Betula pendula / Leaf litter / Fermented product / Indoleacetic acid / Cold tolerance

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Funding

Siberian Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences(АААА-А21-121011290025-2)