Action of protein hydrolysates on maize seedlings 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 and animal sources, but also from industrial and agricultural residues. Free amino acids have several beneficial effects, but the role played by short chain peptides could also be relevant. The aim of this work is to study the effects and the mechanism of action of a protein hydrolysate produced by SICIT 2000 S.P.A. on maize roots compared with the effects produced by either free amino acids mixture or inorganic nitrogen. The protein hydrolysate was highly effective in promoting root growth and increasing the concentration of micronutrients. The total surface area of the lateral roots was approximately 1.5 and 7 times higher in seedlings treated with the protein hydrolysate as compared with seedlings treated with the same total N supplied as either free amino acids or inorganic N, respectively. The genome-wide transcriptional analysis allowed to highlight global changes in gene transcription produced