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Novel Sources of Plant Biostimulants for Sustainable Agriculture

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A special issue of Applied Sciences (ISSN 2076-3417). This special issue belongs to the section "Chemical and Molecular Sciences".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (20 May 2026) | Viewed by 29745

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Dr. Gregorio Peron

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Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
Interests: metabolomics; phytochemistry; natural products; secondary metabolites; agri-food byproducts; chromatography; mass spectrometry
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Dear Colleagues,

The term biostimulants refers to substances and/or microorganisms whose function, when applied directly to plants or spread in the soil, is to stimulate natural processes to benefit nutrient uptake, nutrient efficiency, tolerance to abiotic stress, and/or crop quality. Plant biostimulants can be produced from the transformation of agri-food wastes such as spent coffee grounds, vegetable compost, and isolated proteins (e.g., from soybeans residues), and are widely used in agriculture and horticulture due to their efficacy in improving the yield and quality of crops. Plant and seaweed extracts are also increasingly used as biostimulants for the same reasons. More recently, the soil inoculation of some plant-growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR), such as Trichoderma, has been demonstrated to exert similar effects on crops by altering the composition of the rhizosphere and consequently the absorption and metabolism of nutrients.

Despite the widespread use of chemical and microbial biostimulants for plant cultivation and their proven efficacy, their mechanisms of action at the molecular and biochemical levels remain unclear. Considering the importance that such products are gaining in the context of sustainable agriculture and their increasing use, and to better asses their safety and optimize their applications, efforts to understand how they work are of utmost importance. Also, research published in recent years has demonstrated that there are several materials that can be used as a source of biostimulants, and many of these are derived from the transformation of agri-food wastes and industrial byproducts. However, despite the efficacy of these innovative products, there is still a gap in the knowledge regarding their molecular mechanisms of action.

Hence, this Special Issue is dedicated to the identification of potential novel sources of plant biostimulants and to the assessment of their mechanisms of action on plants, especially at the molecular level. Original research articles covering these topics are welcome, as well as review papers summarizing the latest research findings.

Dr. Gregorio Peron
Guest Editor

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Keywords

plant biostimulants
mechanisms of action
agri-food byproducts
sustainable agriculture
plant cultivation
horticulture
plant biochemistry
metabolomics
plant performance
abiotic stress

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

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15 pages, 1933 KB

Open AccessArticle

Influence of Seed Treatments with Elicitors on the Emergence and Early Vigor of Hulled and Dehulled Vialone Nano Rice

by Conrado Jr. Dueñas, Rebecca Gavinelli, Enrico Doria, Daniela Buonocore, Marco Zini, Marco Baino, Edoardo Saluzzo, Valentina Mandrini and Anca Macovei

Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(13), 6429; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16136429 - 27 Jun 2026

Viewed by 378

Abstract

Rice (Oryza sativa) cultivation is highly relevant for global food security, yet germination may be conditioned by the presence of the rice hull. Using hulled or dehulled rice seeds can affect germination because the hull acts as both a physical barrier and a source of inhibitory compounds. While dehulling may speed germination by improving water and gas exchange and removing allelochemicals, it also increases vulnerability to damage and pathogens. Specific seed treatments can help mitigate these challenges. This study investigated the effects of mechanical dehulling and seed soaking with different elicitors, including hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), Hammada scoparia extracts, and ferrous sulfate, on Vialone Nano rice seed emergence and early vigor. Key findings revealed that dehulled seeds presented better emergence compared to hulled seeds, likely due to the removal of physical barriers and improved water uptake. However, hulled seeds were more responsive to the treatments, showing marked improvements in emergence speed and seedling vigor. The results demonstrate that while dehulling provides a natural advantage, seed treatments with elicitors effectively bridges the performance gap for hulled seeds. These strategies may offer sustainable approaches to improve crop establishment and overall productivity in the local rice farming systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Sources of Plant Biostimulants for Sustainable Agriculture)

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21 pages, 2208 KB

Open AccessArticle

Impact of Intact and Powdered Leaf Amendments from Forestry Species on Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) Germination and Growth

by Ciprian Stroia, Hamadou Djamilatou, Adamou Ibrahima, Marius Stroia, Casiana-Doina Mihuț, Emilian Onișan and Ramona Ștef

Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(12), 5947; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16125947 - 12 Jun 2026

Viewed by 390

Abstract

Soil is the primary source of nutrients for plants, mainly through the clay–humus complex derived from mineral components and decomposed organic matter. The decomposition of the litter—composed only of leaves—contributes significantly to the nutrient cycle. This study evaluated the effects of the intact leaves and the leaf powder resulting from three agroforestry species: Daniellia oliveri (DO), Terminalia macroptera (TM), and Piliostigma thonningii (PT) on the germination and growth of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.). The experiment was conducted under pot conditions using 10, 20, and 30 g doses of intact or powdered litter. Germination rate was measured over a period of 16 days, and plant height, number of leaves, and collar diameter were measured over a 90-day period. According to the results, all litter treatments maintained germination rates above 50%, indicating the absence of phytotoxic effects. Germination was significantly affected by litter treatment under both intact litter and powdered litter applications (p < 0.001). Several leaf powder mixtures achieved 100% germination at 16 days, particularly the combinations DO + TM at 30 g, DO + PT at 20 g, TM + PT at 30 g, and DO + TM + PT at 10 and 30 g. Intact leaves amendments promoted significantly greater vegetative growth than powders. Mean plant height was higher under intact leaves (18.04 cm) than powders (14.36 cm; p < 0.001). Daniellia oliveri produced the greatest plant height (23.33 cm at 20 g), whereas the three-species powder mixture resulted in the lowest values (9.50–10.23 cm at 90 days). Collar diameter was not significantly affected by treatment type. Overall, intact leaf litter was more effective than powders in promoting okra vegetative growth. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Sources of Plant Biostimulants for Sustainable Agriculture)

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14 pages, 2033 KB

Open AccessArticle

Does Culture Age Affect the Viability of Plant Growth-Promoting Bacteria, Including in Interaction with Environmental Factors? A Case Study on Two Wild Strains from the Durum Wheat Rhizosphere

by Annalisa d’Amelio, Antonio Bevilacqua, Maria Rosaria Corbo, Barbara Speranza, Maria Arevalo-Villena and Angela Racioppo

Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(1), 152; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16010152 - 23 Dec 2025

Viewed by 976

Abstract

Plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) could exert positive effects on plant growth and productivity; however, little is known about the effects of variables during the production of PGPB biomass and how they could affect the performances of these microorganisms. This study investigated the effects of pH, temperature, and culture age on the growth of promising PGPBstrains, Bacillus sp. 36M and Stenotrophomonas sp. 20P, isolated from the rhizosphere of durum wheat. A fractional factorial 2^k design was applied to evaluate bacterial growth under varying conditions (pH 5.0–7.5; 15–35 °C; 24–72 h precultures). Multifactorial ANOVA revealed that all independent variables and their interactions significantly affected cell concentration (p < 0.05). Bacillus sp. 36M exhibited optimal growth when inoculated from 24 h cultures and incubated under moderate conditions (15 °C, pH 7.5), whereas Stenotrophomonas sp. 20P showed higher viability with 72 h cultures. These results demonstrate that the inoculum physiological state is a critical determinant of PGPB stress tolerance and should be specifically optimized for each strain. The greater technological robustness of Stenotrophomonas sp. 20P suggests its suitability for biofertilizer formulations requiring extended shelf-life or application under variable environmental conditions. In conclusion, this work provides a quantitative framework for tailoring PGPB production protocols to maximize field performance in sustainable agriculture. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Sources of Plant Biostimulants for Sustainable Agriculture)

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23 pages, 4303 KB

Open AccessArticle

Seed Surface Sterilization Can Alter Root Microbiomes, Increase Endophyte Diversity and Enhance Plant Growth

by David Johnston-Monje and Jorge Iván Martínez

Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(17), 9545; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15179545 - 30 Aug 2025

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3951

Abstract

With the goal of bioprospecting for growth-promoting endophytes that could become yield-enhancing inoculants in maize agriculture, we isolated 129 endophytic bacteria from 22 wild plants growing in a nature preserve and an urban park in Cali, Colombia. These strains were put through a bioassay with surface-sterilized seeds of perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne) grown in sealed tubes, and growth promotion assessed by measuring plant fresh weight. The top two strains Pseudomonas delhiensis and Serratia marcescens, along with five different subcultured root endophytic communities, were put into a secondary screen along with two uninoculated controls of untreated and surface-sterilized seed of both the turfgrass and a commercial maize hybrid. Impact on plant microbiomes was assessed using molecular fingerprinting and high-throughput sequencing. This second bioassay indicated that plant growth promotion was corelated not with inoculation but with seed surface sterilization which shifted root microbiomes, increased endophyte diversity and probably eliminated pathogens. Inoculating maize (but not ryegrass) seed with either pure bacteria or microbial communities was also able to shift the root microbiome. Because the majority of plant microbiome researchers employ seed surface sterilization as a method to standardize their experiments, they could be inadvertently studying unusual plant phenotypes and microbiomes; a possible reason why field trials correlate poorly with those of lab tests. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Sources of Plant Biostimulants for Sustainable Agriculture)

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Review

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28 pages, 718 KB

Open AccessReview

Harnessing the Power of Biostimulants: A Comprehensive Review of Their Role in Enhancing Agricultural Productivity and Sustainability

by Lidia López-Serrano, Loredana Scalschi, Rubén Simeón, Alberto San Bautista and Ana Isabel González-Hernández

Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(4), 1924; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16041924 - 14 Feb 2026

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3438

Abstract

Biostimulants are becoming essential and complementary tools in modern agriculture, offering an innovative and environmentally friendly approach to enhance crop production and resilience. This review explores biostimulant classification—including humic substances, seaweed extracts, protein hydrolysates, and beneficial microorganisms—and elucidates the complex mechanisms of action through which they modulate plant physiology and biochemical and molecular processes. A major focus is placed on their demonstrated ability to significantly enhance nutrient use efficiency, stimulate root growth, improve water retention, and activate plant defense systems, thereby increasing tolerance to a wide plethora of stressors like drought, salinity, and extreme temperatures. Despite their proven efficacy, the broader adoption of biostimulants faces significant hurdles, including inconsistent product formulation, fragmented regulatory frameworks, and a limited understanding of their long-term effects under diverse field conditions. By emphasizing recent scientific and technological innovations, this review proposes a framework for research and practical application. Finally, biostimulants are part of the new technologies capable of improving plant resistance to abiotic stress and adapting agricultural systems to climate change, thanks to improved productivity and efficiency in the use of production inputs and natural resources. Advances in understanding the mechanisms of action of biostimulants will enable us to modulate the concept of plant nutrition and improve crop management. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Sources of Plant Biostimulants for Sustainable Agriculture)

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26 pages, 1096 KB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

A Review of Plant–Microbe Interactions in the Rhizosphere and the Role of Root Exudates in Microbiome Engineering

by Anagha Wankhade, Emma Wilkinson, David W. Britt and Amita Kaundal

Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(13), 7127; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15137127 - 25 Jun 2025

Cited by 93 | Viewed by 19568

Abstract

Microbial interactions within the rhizosphere are fundamental to plant health, influencing nutrient availability, stress tolerance, and pathogen resistance. Beneficial microbes, such as plant growth-promoting microbes (PGPMs), including bacteria and mycorrhizal fungi, enhance plant resilience through mechanisms like nutrient solubilization, phytohormone production, and pathogen suppression via antimicrobial compounds and siderophores. Root exudates, composed of sugars, organic acids, and secondary metabolites, act as chemoattractants that shape the rhizosphere microbiome by recruiting beneficial microbes. Microbial metabolites can, in turn, modulate plant physiology and exudate profiles, thereby reinforcing mutualistic interactions. Stress conditions alter exudate composition, enabling plants to attract specific microbes that aid in stress mitigation. Given the growing interest in microbiome-based agricultural solutions, this review aims to synthesize recent literature on plant–microbe interactions, with a focus on bidirectional signaling between plants and microbes. A structured literature search was conducted using databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and ScienceDirect to identify key studies on root exudation, microbial functions, and synthetic microbial communities (SynComs). We highlight major findings on how engineered microbiomes can enhance plant growth, resilience, and productivity, particularly under stress conditions. This review also explores how advances in SynCom design can promote sustainable agriculture by reducing reliance on chemical inputs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Sources of Plant Biostimulants for Sustainable Agriculture)

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