Effects of enzyme-digested protein hydrolysates derived from Clarias Batrachus (clarias catfish) viscera on the growth of Brassica Rapa Subsp. Chinensis (bok choy)

Koh, Charl Tsen (2026) Effects of enzyme-digested protein hydrolysates derived from Clarias Batrachus (clarias catfish) viscera on the growth of Brassica Rapa Subsp. Chinensis (bok choy). Master dissertation/thesis, UTAR.

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Abstract

Protein hydrolysate (PH) is a nitrogen-rich material composed of amino acids that serves as an effective liquid fertiliser to promote vegetative growth in crops. Although numerous studies have reported the beneficial effects of PH on plant development, limited information is available regarding the influence of specific PH sources and concentrations on optimal plant growth and biochemical properties. In this study, Brassica rapa subsp. chinensis (Bok Choy) was treated with varying concentrations (0, 2000, 4000, 6000, and 8000 mg/L) of Clarias batrachus (Clarias Catfish) protein hydrolysate under a randomised complete block design over 35 days. Growth parameters, including plant weight, height, total chlorophyll content (TCC), total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and antioxidant potential, were assessed. Heavy metal contents, lead and cadmium were also measured to ensure compliance with food safety standards. The results demonstrated that treatment with 6000 mg/L PH yielded the highest growth and biochemical performance, with significant increases in shoot and root biomass, TCC, TPC, TFC, and antioxidant activity. While all PH-treated groups showed improved biomass compared to the control, a decline was observed at 8000 mg/L. In conclusion, Clarias catfish protein hydrolysate markedly enhanced both the growth and antioxidant capacity of Bok Choy, with 6000 mg/L identified as the optimal concentration. These findings highlight the potential of fish-derived protein hydrolysate as a sustainable and efficient biofertilizer for improving crop productivity and nutritional quality.

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