Recent Advances in the Molecular Effects of Biostimulants in Plants: An Overview

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  • Miguel Baltazar
    University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro
  • Sofia Correira
    University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro
  • Kieran J. Guinan
    BioAtlantis Ltd
  • Neerakkal Sujeeth
    BioAtlantis Ltd
  • Radek Braganca
  • Berta Goncalves
    University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro
As the world develops and population increases, so too does the demand for higher agricultural output with lower resources. Plant biostimulants appear to be one of the more prominent sustainable solutions, given their natural origin and their potential to substitute conventional methods in agriculture. Classified based on their source rather than constitution, biostimulants such as humic substances (HS), protein hydrolysates (PHs), seaweed extracts (SWE) and microorganisms have a proven potential in improving plant growth, increasing crop production and quality, as well as ameliorating stress effects. However, the multi-molecular nature and varying composition of commercially available biostimulants presents challenges when attempting to elucidate their underlying mechanisms. While most research has focused on the broad effects of biostimulants in crops, recent studies at the molecular level have started to unravel the pathways triggered by certain products at the cellular and gene level. Understanding the molecular influences involved could lead to further refinement of these treatments. This review comprises the most recent findings regarding the use of biostimulants in plants, with particular focus on reports of their molecular influence

Keywords

  • biostimulant, gene expression, humic substances, microorganisms, protein hydrolysates, seaweed extracts
Original languageEnglish
Article number34439763
JournalBiomolecules
Volume11
Issue number8
Early online date25 Jul 2021
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Aug 2021

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