Elucidating the Mechanism of Soybean-Derived Protein Hydrolysate in Stabilizing Rice Yield and Enhancing Agronomic Efficiency

Protein hydrolysates (PHs), recognized as promising biostimulants, modulate plant physiology. Plant-derived PHs, a sustainable agricultural approach, boost crop growth, yield, and abiotic stress tolerance, fueling interest in rice production. However, PHs efficacy varies with crop type, growth stage, application timing, and dosage, challenging their optimization in rice cultivation. This study bridged this gap by exploring the effects of a soybean-derived PH on rice growth, yield, and stress resilience. Multi-location field trials across Jiangxi's rice regions evaluated PH practicality under diverse conditions. Laboratory experiments analyzed "Lifenggu" a PH-based biostimulant, assessing its dose-response on rice growth, yield, and stress tolerance at seedling and booting stages. We also investigated its synergies with herbicides and mitigation of high-temperature stress, uncovering underlying mechanisms via biochemical and transcriptomic analyses.