Technological watch

Condensed molasses soluble (CMS) has been reported to be rich in mineral nutrients and organic matter. However, the potential of CMS as a new organic fertilizer for crops is poorly understood. In this study, we explored the effects of CMS on seed germination, plant growth and field production of Brassica napus through seed germination, hydroponics and field trials. The results demonstrated that a small amount of CMS (0.05 g L−1) on the basis of normal nutrient supply significantly increased plant biomass, root vigor and root development, and improved the superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity of shoot at the seedling growth stage. Nevertheless, a high concentration of CMS (0.2 g L−1) inhibited plant growth, root development, the activities of peroxidase (POD) and catalase (CAT), and elevated accumulation of malondialdehyde (MDA) in the shoot at the same stage. In the field, exogenous application of CMS as well as chemical fertilizers increased seed yield up to 20% compared with chemical fertilization only. Collectively, our results conclude that the appropriate amount of CMS could promote the growth and development of rapeseed at both seedling and mature stages. Hence, CMS may be used as a new potential organic fertilizer for crop production in the future.