Hort. Sci. (Prague), 2025, 52(4):313-323 | DOI: 10.17221/100/2024-HORTSCI
Effects of application of biostimulants and growth regulators on root traits and analysis of root architecture with machine learning in LiliumOriginal Paper
- 1 Black Sea Agricultural Research Institute, Samsun, Türkiye
Apart from the roots, the bulb is the most important organ for plant development of the lily plant. In this experiment, the effects of mycorrhizal, vermicompost and promalin applications on the root architecture of Lilium oriental hybrid ‘Adelante’, a bulbous plant, were to be investigated. It was found that the effect of the treatments on root length (128.6 cm), root surface area (8 cm3), number of tips (111.5), number of forks (354.4) and number of crossings (86.2) was lower than that of the control. In terms of root volume, the applications of vermicompost (3 cm2) and promalin (3 cm3) were the most effective. The most effective application on root diameter (3.5 mm) was promalin. In conclusion, the effect on mycorrhizal root development was lower than the control but higher than other applications. In addition, machine learning (ML) algorithms, including linear regression (LR), sequential minimal optimisation for regression (SMOreg), Gaussian process (GP) and artificial neural network-based multilayer perceptron (ANN-based MLP), were used in the study. The input variables were evaluated for modelling and predicting root traits. The performance values of the ML algorithms were noted in the following order: LR > SMOreg > GP > MLP. These results have important implications for the prediction of root growth in lily crops.
Keywords: Lilium; machine learning; mycorrhizal; promalin; root architecture; vermicompost
Received: May 18, 2024; Revised: May 10, 2025; Accepted: May 13, 2025; Prepublished online: December 8, 2025; Published: December 15, 2025 Show citation
| ACS | AIP | APA | ASA | Harvard | Chicago | Chicago Notes | IEEE | ISO690 | MLA | NLM | Turabian | Vancouver |
References
- Al-Ajlouni M.G., Othman Y.A., Tala S., Ayad J.Y. (2023): Lilium morphology, physiology, anatomy and postharvest flower quality in response to plant growth regulators. South African Journal of Botany, 156: 43-53.
Go to original source... - Alkaç O.S., Belgüzar S., Kayaaslan Z., Tuncel E., Aldirmaz S. (2022): The effect of plant growth promoting rhizobacteria and mycorrhiza applications on the growth of Zinnia elegans L. and Dahlia variabilis L. Turkish Journal of Agriculture - Food Science and Technology, 10: 2737-2743.
Go to original source... - Alvarez R., Grigera S. (2005): Analysis of soil fertility and management effects on yields of wheat and corn in the Rolling Pampa of Argentina. Journal of Agronomy and Crop Science, 191: 321-329.
Go to original source... - Angdresey A., Sitanayah L., Kairupan T.V.N. (2021): A soil monitoring and recommendation system for ornamental plants. In: 6th International Conference on New Media Studies (CONMEDIA), Tangerang, Indonesia, Oct 12-13, 2021: 40-45.
Go to original source... - Awika H.O., Mishra A.K., Gill H., DiPiazza J., Avila C.A., Joshi V. (2021): Selection of nitrogen responsive root architectural traits in spinach using machine learning and genetic correlations. Scientific Reports, 11: 9536.
Go to original source...
Go to PubMed... - Bachman G.R., Metzger J.D. (2008): Growth of bedding plants in commercial potting substrate amended with vermicompost. Bioresource Technology, 99: 3155-3161.
Go to original source...
Go to PubMed... - Balode A. (2017): Vermikomposta izmantoıana substrātos liliju (Lilium spp.) uzziedināıanā [Application of vermicompost for substrates in lily (Lilium spp.) forcing]. In: Zinātniski praktiskās konferences raksti, "Līdzsvarota Lauksaimniecība", Jelgava, Latvia, Feb 23, 2017: 83-87. (in Latvian)
- Baruati D., Talukdar M.C., Kumar V. (2018): Effect of organic manures and biofertilizers on growth and yield of gladiolus (Gladiolus grandiflorus). International Journal of chemical studies, 6: 2529-2532.
- Bayindir S., Kandemir D. (2023): Root system architecture of interspecific rootstocks and its relationship with yield components in grafted tomato. Journal of Crop Health (Gesunde Pflanzen), 75: 329-341.
Go to original source... - Bhattacharyya P.N., Jha D.K. (2012): Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR): Emergence in agriculture. World Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology, 28: 1327-1350.
Go to original source...
Go to PubMed... - Bouckaert R.R., Frank E., Hall M., Kirkby R., Reutemann P., Seewald A., Scuse D. (2016): WEKA Manual for Version 3-9-1. Hamilton, New Zealand, University of Waikato: 1-341.
- Bucksch A., Burridge J., York L.M., Das A., Nord E., Weitz J.S., Lynch J.P. (2014): Image-based high-throughput field phenotyping of crop roots. Plant Physiology, 166: 470-486.
Go to original source...
Go to PubMed... - Comas L., Becker S., Cruz V.M.V., Byrne P.F., Dierig D.A. (2013): Root traits contributing to plant productivity under drought. Frontiers in Plant Science, 4: 442.
Go to original source...
Go to PubMed... - Craine J.M. (2006): Competition for nutrients and optimal root allocation. Plant and Soil, 285: 171-185.
Go to original source... - Çelikel F.G., Dodge L.L., Reid M.S. (2002): Efficacy of 1-MCP (1-methylcyclopropene) and Promalin for extending the post-harvest life of Oriental lilies (Lilium × 'MonaLisa' and 'Stargazer'). Scientia Horticulturae, 93: 149-155.
Go to original source... - Duarte A.B., de Oliveira Ferreira D., Ferreria L.B., da Silva F.L. (2022): Machine learning applied to the prediction of root architecture of soybean cultivars under two water availability conditions. Semina: Ciências Agrárias, 43: 1017-1036.
Go to original source... - Frank E., Hall M., Holmes G., Kirkby R., Pfahringer B., Witten I.H., Trigg L. (2010): Weka - A machine learning workbench for data mining. In: Maimon O., Rokach L. (eds): Data Mining and Knowledge Discovery Handbook. Boston, Springer: 1269-1277.
Go to original source... - Garcia K., Zimmermann S.D. (2014): The role of mycorrhizal associations in plant potassium nutrition. Frontiers in Plant Science, 5: 337.
Go to original source...
Go to PubMed... - Giehl R.F., Gruber B.D., von Wirén N. (2014): It's time to make changes: Modulation of root system architecture by nutrient signals. Journal of Experimental Botany, 65: 769-778.
Go to original source...
Go to PubMed... - Hijri M., Bâ A. (2018): Mycorrhiza in tropical and neotropical ecosystems. Frontiers in Plant Science, 9: 308.
Go to original source...
Go to PubMed... - Jochum M.D., McWilliams K.L., Borrego E.J., Kolomiets M.V., Niu G., Pierson E.A., Jo Y.K. (2019): Bioprospecting plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria that mitigate drought stress in grasses. Frontiers in Microbiology, 10: 2106.
Go to original source...
Go to PubMed... - Judd L.A., Jackson B.E., Fonteno W.C. (2015): Advancements in root growth measurement technologies and observation capabilities for container-grown plants. Plants, 4: 369-392.
Go to original source...
Go to PubMed... - Karaçal I., Tüfenkçi Ş. (2010): New approaches to plant nutrition and fertilizer-environment relationship. In: VII International Congress on Agricultural Engineering, Ankara, Jan 11-15, 2010: 257-268.
- Khan A.S., Chaudhry N.Y. (2006): GA3 improves flower yield in some cucurbits treated with lead and mercury. African Journal of Biotechnology, 5: 149-153.
- King J.S., Albaugh T.J., Allen H.L., Buford M., Strain B., Dougherty P. (2002): Below-ground carbon input to soil is controlled by nutrient availability and fine root dynamics in loblolly pine. New Phytologist, 154: 389-398.
Go to original source...
Go to PubMed... - Kiranmai S.A., Laxmi A.J. (2018): Data mining for classification of power quality problems using WEKA and the effect of attributes on classification accuracy. Protection and Control of Modern Power Systems, 3: 29.
Go to original source... - Küçükyumuk Z., Gültekin M., Erdal I. (2014): Effects of vermicompost and mycorrhiza on plant growth and mineral nutrition in pepper. Ziraat Fakültesi Dergisi-Süleyman Demirel Üniversitesi, 9: 51-58. (in Turkish)
- Li Y., Fang F., Wei J., Wu X., Cui R., Li G., Tan D. (2019): Humic acid fertilizer improved soil properties and soil microbial diversity of continuous cropping peanut: A three-year experiment. Scientific Reports, 9: 12014.
Go to original source...
Go to PubMed... - Liao W.B., Zhang M.L., Huang G.B., Yu J.H. (2012): Hydrogen peroxide in the vase solution increases vase life and keeping quality of cut Oriental × Trumpet hybrid lily 'Manissa'. Scientia Horticulturae, 139: 32-38.
Go to original source... - López-Bucio J., Cruz-Ramirez A., Herrera-Estrella L. (2003): The role of nutrient availability in regulating root architecture. Current Opinion in Plant Biology, 6: 280-287.
Go to original source...
Go to PubMed... - Marschner P. (2012): Marschner's Mineral Nutrition of Higher Plants. 3rd Ed. Amsterdam, Elsevier.
- Moghadam M.K., Darvishi H.H., Javaheri M. (2014): Evaluation agronomic traits of soybean affected by vermicompost and bacteria in sustainable agricultural system. International Journal of Biosciences (IJB), 5: 406-413.
Go to original source... - Moon T., Ahn T.I., Son J.E. (2018): Forecasting root-zone electrical conductivity of nutrient solutions in closed-loop soilless cultures via a recurrent neural network using environmental and cultivation information. Frontiers in Plant Science, 9: 328105.
Go to original source...
Go to PubMed... - Moradi H., Fahramand M., Sobhkhizi A., Adibian M., Noori M., Abdollahi S., Rigi K. (2014): Effect of vermicompost on plant growth and its relationship with soil properties. International Journal of Farming and Allied Sciences, 3: 333-338.
- Ning P., Li S., Yu P., Zhang Y., Li C. (2013): Post-silking accumulation and partitioning of dry matter, nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium in maize varieties differing in leaf longevity. Field Crops Research, 144: 19-27.
Go to original source... - Paez-Garcia A., Motes C.M., Scheible W.R., Chen R., Blancaflor E.B., Monteros M.J. (2015): Root traits and phenotyping strategies for plant improvement. Plants, 4: 334-355.
Go to original source...
Go to PubMed... - Püschel D., Janouıková M., Voĝíıková A., Gryndlerová H., Vosátka M., Jansa J. (2017): Arbuscular mycorrhiza stimulates biological nitrogen fixation in two Medicago spp. through improved phosphorus acquisition. Frontiers in Plant Science, 8: 390.
Go to original source...
Go to PubMed... - Rouphael Y., Franken P., Schneider C., Schwarz D., Giovannetti M., Agnolucci M., Colla G. (2015): Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi act as biostimulants in horticultural crops. Scientia Horticulturae, 196: 91-108.
Go to original source... - Sari Ö., Çelikel F.G. (2021): Determination of root properties of saplings belong to two boxwood species (Buxus sempervirens and Buxus balearica) by image processing technique. Turkish Journal of Food and Agriculture Sciences, 3: 20-24.
Go to original source... - Shahhosseini M., Hu G., Huber I., Archontoulis S.V. (2021): Coupling machine learning and crop modeling improves crop yield prediction in the US Corn Belt. Scientific Reports, 11: 1606.
Go to original source...
Go to PubMed... - Smith S.E., Read D.J. (2010): Mycorrhizal symbiosis. Academic press.
- Stokes A., Atger C., Bengough A.G., Fourcaud T., Sidle R.C. (2009): Desirable plant root traits for protecting natural and engineered slopes against landslides. Plant and Soil, 324: 1-30.
Go to original source... - Sun C.H., Yu J.Q., Hu D.G. (2017): Nitrate: A crucial signal during lateral roots development. Frontiers in Plant Science, 8: 485.
Go to original source...
Go to PubMed... - Taiz L., Zeiger E. (2010): Plant Physiology. 5th Ed. Sunderland, Sinauer Associates.
- Tariq U., Riaz A., Jaskani M.J., Zahir Z.A. (2016): Screening of PGPR isolates for plant growth promotion of Rosa damascena. International Journal of Agriculture and Biology, 18: 997-1003.
Go to original source... - Trouvelot S., Bonneau L., Redecker D., van Tuinen D., Adrian M., Wipf D. (2015): Arbuscular mycorrhiza symbiosis in viticulture: A review. Agronomy for Sustainable Development, 35: 1449-1467.
Go to original source... - Tütüncü M. (2024): Effects of protein hydrolysate derived from anchovy by-product on plant growth of primrose and root system architecture analysis with machine learning. Horticulturae, 10: 400.
Go to original source... - Verma S.K., Sahu P.K., Kumar K., Pal G., Gond S.K., Kharwar R.N., White J.F. (2021): Endophyte roles in nutrient acquisition, root system architecture development and oxidative stress tolerance. Journal of Applied Microbiology, 131: 2161-2177.
Go to original source...
Go to PubMed... - Wang H., Inukai Y., Yamauchi A. (2006): Root development and nutrient uptake. Critical Reviews in Plant Sciences, 25: 279-301.
Go to original source... - Werner T., Motyka V., Strnad M., Schmülling T. (2001): Regulation of plant growth by cytokinin. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 98: 10487-10492.
Go to original source...
Go to PubMed... - Woolf A.B., Combes S., Petley M., Olsson S.R., Wohlers M., Jackman R.C. (2012): Hot water treatments reduce leaf yellowing and extend vase life of Asiatic hybrid lilies. Postharvest Biology and Technology, 64: 9-18.
Go to original source... - Xu X., He P., Yang F., Ma J., Pampolino M.F., Johnston A.M., Zhou W. (2017): Methodology of fertilizer recommendation based on yield response and agronomic efficiency for rice in China. Field Crops Research, 206: 33-42.
Go to original source... - Yeh C.M., Chung K., Liang C.K., Tsai W.C. (2019): New insights into the symbiotic relationship between orchids and fungi. Applied Sciences, 9: 585.
Go to original source... - Yeşiloğlu T. (1988): Klemantin mandarininde GA3 ve bilezik alma uygulamalarinin yapraklarda karbonhidrat, bitki besin maddeleri, meyve verim miktarlari ve kalite üzerine etkileri. [PhD. Thesis.] Adana, Çukurova Üniversitesi. (in Turkish)
- Yilmaz R.G. (2017): Farkli atik türlerinin "vermicomposting" yöntemiyle kompostlaştirilmasinda işletme şartlarinin verime etkisinin incelenmesi. [MSc Thesis.] Denisli, Pamukkale Üniversitesi. (in Turkish)
- Yoosefzadeh-Najafabadi M., Earl H.J., Tulpan D., Sulik J., Eskandari M. (2021): Application of machine learning algorithms in plant breeding: Predicting yield from hyperspectral reflectance in soybean. Frontier in Plant Science, 11: 624273.
Go to original source...
Go to PubMed... - Zhang X., White J.W., Beattie D.J. (1989): The effects of photoperiod, PPF, promalin, STS and water on flowering of Asiatic hybrid lilies. Acta Horticulturae (ISHS), 266: 243-250.
Go to original source... - Zonta E., Brasil F.D.C., Goi S.R., Rosa M.D., Fernandes M.M.T. (2006): Sistema radicular e suas interações com o ambiente edáfico. In: Nutrição Mineral de Plantas. Viçosa, SBCS (Sociedade Brasileira de Ciência do Solo): 47-123. (in Portuguese)
This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International (CC BY NC 4.0), which permits non-comercial use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original publication is properly cited. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms.

ORCID...