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Abstract

Excessive use of synthetic fertilizers has increased crop productivity but has also caused soil degradation, environmental pollution, and ecosystem imbalance. Natural bio-stimulants such as ascorbic acid (AsA), salicylic acid (SA), and proline (Pro) offer sustainable alternatives by regulating key physiological and biochemical processes that enhance plant growth and productivity. However, their combined effects under non-stress conditions remain poorly understood. This study evaluated the individual and combined effects of AsA, SA, and Pro on growth, photosynthesis, antioxidant defense, quality traits, and seed yield of pea (Pisum sativum L. cv. Meteor). Pot experiments were conducted under a completely randomized design with four replicates. Individual and combined foliar applications of AsA, SA, and Pro (50 mM) were applied seven days after seedling emergence. Bio-stimulant treatments significantly improved plant growth, physiological performance, quality attributes, and seed yield compared with the untreated control. Among individual treatments, AsA produced the highest pod number (18 pods plant⁻¹), seed yield (27.89 g plant⁻¹), total carbohydrates (20.43 mg g⁻¹ at flowering), and protein content (4.921 mg g⁻¹). Combined applications, particularly AsA+Pro and SA+Pro, further enhanced carbohydrate accumulation, protein content, and antioxidant enzyme activities. These treatments increased chlorophyll content, biomass production, and antioxidant capacity, resulting in improved photosynthetic efficiency and greater assimilate translocation. Correlation analysis confirmed strong positive relationships among physiological, biochemical, and yield-related traits. Foliar application of natural bio-stimulants, particularly AsA alone and in combination with Pro or SA, effectively enhanced growth, physiological performance, seed yield, and nutritional quality of pea. These findings demonstrate the potential of bio-stimulants as sustainable, eco-friendly alternatives to reduce dependence on synthetic fertilizers while improving legume productivity.

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