Action of protein hydrolysates on maize seedling roots: a genome-wide transcriptional analysis

Protein hydrolysates are plant growth-promoting products that contain a mixture of peptides and free amino acids derived from the hydrolysis of plant or animal sources, often from industrial and agricultural residues. Free amino acids have several beneficial effects, but the role played by short peptides could also be relevant. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects and the mechanism of action of a protein hydrolysate formulation on maize roots in comparison with the effects produced by either free amino acid mixture or inorganic nitrogen.