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Horticulturae
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Effects of Biostimulants on the Growth and Development of Horticultural...
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Effects of Biostimulants on the Growth and Development of Horticultural Crops

A special issue of Horticulturae (ISSN 2311-7524). This special issue belongs to the section "Biotic and Abiotic Stress".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 10 September 2025 | Viewed by 9866

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Jorge González-Villagra

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
1. Departamento de Ciencias Agropecuarias y Acuícolas, Facultad de Recursos Naturales, Universidad Católica de Temuco, P.O. Box 15-D, Temuco, Chile
2. Núcleo de Investigación en Producción Alimentaria, Facultad de Recursos Naturales, Universidad Católica de Temuco, P.O. Box 15-D, Temuco, Chile
Interests: plant physiology and molecular biology; mechanisms of resistance in plants to different abiotic stresses; plant hormones
Dr. Marjorie Reyes-Díaz

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Center of Plant, Soil Interaction and Natural Resources Biotechnology, Scientific and Technological Bioresource Nucleus (BIOREN-UFRO), Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco P.O. Box 54-D, Chile
Interests: abiotic stress; ecophysiology; molecular biology; phytohormones; plant physiology
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

One of the primary challenges faced by the agriculture sector is enhancing food production to feed more than 9 billion people by 2050, while reducing the negative impacts on agroecosystems and contributing to sustainable agriculture. Thus, bioestimulants have become a promising agronomic tool and are widely considered a sustainable agricultural practice, with the ability to enhance the growth, yield and stress tolerance of plants, and improve the quality of food. However, more studies focused on horticultural crops under field conditions are needed.

Thus, the aim of this Special Issue of Horticulturae, entitled “Effects of Biostimulants on the Growth and Development of Horticultural Crops”, is to present advances regarding biostimulants and their effects on horticultural crops, as well as their contribution to sustainable agriculture. Biostimulants include substances and microorganisms (plant hormones, nanoparticles, microbial bioinoculants, humic acids, amino acids, seaweed extracts, and new ones) that improve the production of horticultural crops by upgrading the physiology and/or metabolic routes of plants, improving their nutrient uptake, and enhancing their tolerance to biotic and abiotic stress.

Dr. Jorge González-Villagra
Dr. Marjorie Reyes-Díaz
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Horticulturae is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2200 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • plant hormones
  • sustainable agriculture
  • plant physiology
  • tolerance to biotic and abiotic stresses

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Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

19 pages, 5967 KiB  
Article
Chitosan Application Improves the Growth and Physiological Parameters of Tomato Crops
by Juan José Reyes-Pérez, Luis Tarquino Llerena-Ramos, Wilmer Tezara, Víctor Reynel, Luis Guillermo Hernández-Montiel and Antonio Juárez-Maldonado
Horticulturae 2025, 11(8), 878; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11080878 - 28 Jul 2025
Viewed by 102
Abstract
Tomato crops are treated with high concentrations of synthetic fertilizers and insecticides to increase yields, but the careless use of these chemicals harms the environment and human health and affects plant pathogen resistance. The effect of foliar spray of three concentrations of chitosan [...] Read more.
Tomato crops are treated with high concentrations of synthetic fertilizers and insecticides to increase yields, but the careless use of these chemicals harms the environment and human health and affects plant pathogen resistance. The effect of foliar spray of three concentrations of chitosan (500, 1000, and 2000 mg L−1) on plant growth, yield, fruit quality, and physiological performance in two tomato varieties (Floradade and Candela F1) was studied. Physiological traits such as photosynthesis, chlorophyll content, and leaf area index of the plants were positively affected by chitosan, an effective compound that biostimulates growth, with increases in biomass of organs with respect to the control treatment. Chitosan also improved tomato quality, such as increases in polyphenols, antioxidant capacity, flavonoids, carotenoids, vitamin C, and total soluble solids in both tomato varieties. Finally, yield increased by 76.4% and 65.4% in Floradade and Candela F1, respectively. The responses of tomato plants to chitosan application were different depending on the variety evaluated, indicating a differential response to the biostimulant. The use of chitosan in agriculture is a tool that has no negative effects on plants and the environment and can increase the productive capacity of tomato plants. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effects of Biostimulants on the Growth and Development of Horticultural Crops)
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13 pages, 1862 KiB  
Article
Hydroponic Wastewater Treatment with Microalgae: A Sustainable Alternative for Irrigating Pelargonium × hortorum
by Alejandro Rápalo-Cruz, Cintia Gómez-Serrano, Cynthia Victoria González-López, Miguel Urrestarazu-Gavilán and Silvia Jiménez-Becker
Horticulturae 2025, 11(5), 547; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11050547 - 19 May 2025
Viewed by 669
Abstract
Microalgae are an effective solution for the treatment and valorization of wastewater generated in hydroponic systems. In the current context of sustainability and resource management, the search for ecological alternatives in agriculture is essential. This study investigated the use of wastewater from hydroponic [...] Read more.
Microalgae are an effective solution for the treatment and valorization of wastewater generated in hydroponic systems. In the current context of sustainability and resource management, the search for ecological alternatives in agriculture is essential. This study investigated the use of wastewater from hydroponic systems, purified by microalgae, for the irrigation of Pelargonium × hortorum. An experiment was designed under controlled conditions in which different irrigation treatments were applied. Hydroponic leachates treated by microalgae were used at 100%, 75%, and 50% (diluted using tap water), in addition to tap water as a negative control and nutrient solution as a positive control. The treatment system was established in a raceway photobioreactor, which allowed the proliferation of microalgae that act as bioremediators for the elimination of pollutants and the removal of nitrogen and phosphorus. The growth parameters, biomass, and general health of the Pelargonium × hortorum plants were evaluated, complemented with physicochemical analyses of the water carried out during the experimental period. These analyses showed that the water obtained after the purification process retained nutrients that can be reused for irrigation. The results indicated that plants irrigated with treated water showed significant improvements in height, diameter, number of leaves, leaf area, leaf dry weight, and flower dry weight compared to those irrigated with tap water. In conclusion, the study shows that the treatment of hydroponic wastewater by means of microalgal cultivation represents a viable and ecological alternative for the irrigation of ornamental plants such as Pelargonium × hortorum. The implementation of this system contributes both to the reduction of pollutants and to the optimal use of water resources, establishing a solid basis for future research in which additional nutrients could be incorporated to balance the nutrient solution studied. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effects of Biostimulants on the Growth and Development of Horticultural Crops)
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23 pages, 3937 KiB  
Article
Effect of Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria Synthetic Consortium on Growth, Yield, and Metabolic Profile of Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) Grown Under Suboptimal Nutrient Regime
by Renée Abou Jaoudé, Francesca Luziatelli, Anna Grazia Ficca and Maurizio Ruzzi
Horticulturae 2025, 11(1), 64; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11010064 - 9 Jan 2025
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2384
Abstract
Soilless cultivation allows for the exploitation of the benefits of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) without the loss of efficacy observed with soil inoculation. In this study, we investigated the effects of a PGPR consortium on the plant growth, ecophysiology, and metabolic profile of [...] Read more.
Soilless cultivation allows for the exploitation of the benefits of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) without the loss of efficacy observed with soil inoculation. In this study, we investigated the effects of a PGPR consortium on the plant growth, ecophysiology, and metabolic profile of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) grown in an aeroponic system under a low-nutrient regime. Overall, the plant biomass increased by 25% in the PGPR-inoculated plants due to enhanced leaf and root growth. The rise in the leaf biomass was primarily due to an increase in the leaf number and average leaf mass, coupled with a higher total leaf area. In addition, the inoculated plants exhibited an altered leaf anatomy characterized by an increased palisade parenchyma thickness and reduced airspace area, suggesting an improved photosynthetic efficiency and changes in the mesophyll conductance. The root morphology was also altered, with the PGPR-inoculated plants showing higher lateral root development. Furthermore, PGPR inoculation induced significant metabolic reprogramming in the leaves, affecting several pathways related to growth, development, and stress responses. These findings provide valuable insights into the intricate metabolic dialog between plants and beneficial microbes and demonstrate that the integration of soilless culture with an analysis of the ecophysiological, anatomical, and metabolomic plant responses can be a powerful approach to accelerate the design of new PGPR consortia for use as microbial biostimulants. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effects of Biostimulants on the Growth and Development of Horticultural Crops)
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21 pages, 29495 KiB  
Article
Application of Azospirillum brasilense and Humic Substances Improves the Nursery Quality of Olive Seedlings in Pots
by Giovana Ritter, Rodrigo José de Vargas, Daniela Farinelli, Nicola Cinosi, Chiara Traini, Simona Lucia Facchin, Larissa Hiromi Kiahara, Daniel Fernandes da Silva, Silvia Portarena and Fabiola Villa
Horticulturae 2025, 11(1), 48; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11010048 - 6 Jan 2025
Viewed by 936
Abstract
In Brazil due to the establishment of new orchards, olive seedling production is growing strongly, while the use of biostimulants in agriculture has been gaining attention due to their benefits in root formation and nutrient absorption. This study evaluated the use of biostimulants [...] Read more.
In Brazil due to the establishment of new orchards, olive seedling production is growing strongly, while the use of biostimulants in agriculture has been gaining attention due to their benefits in root formation and nutrient absorption. This study evaluated the use of biostimulants for promoting the growth of 3-month-old rooted olive seedlings in pots and to assess the nursery quality of the seedlings. Rooted cuttings of Arbequina, Maria da Fé, and Ascolano 315 cultivars were treated with Azospirillum brasilense (Az) and humic substances (HS), alone and in combination. Growth parameters, such as height and stem diameter, were measured every month and after 150 days, seedlings per treatment were also analysed for aerial and root fresh and dry biomasses. Arbequina exhibited the highest growth rate with Az and best absolute growth rate with Az + HS treatment. The total dry matter of the olive seedlings, comprising both the aerial and root part, was influenced by both Azospirillum brasilense and humic substances, enhancing nitrogen availability. The three treatments showed their positive effects on aboveground growth and overall plant vigour. Despite increased biomass, treated olive seedlings showed no significant height advantage over controls, suggesting that the effects may appear in later developmental stages. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effects of Biostimulants on the Growth and Development of Horticultural Crops)
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14 pages, 1629 KiB  
Article
Exogenous Sucrose Enhances Growth and Physiological Performance of Tomato Seedlings Under Suboptimal Light Conditions in Passive Greenhouses
by Miguel Gómez-Cabezas and Ángelo España
Horticulturae 2024, 10(12), 1337; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae10121337 - 13 Dec 2024
Viewed by 1669
Abstract
Tomato is an important crop worldwide. Commonly, the production process is initiated in nurseries that provide seedlings to greenhouse growers. Many factors influence crop production, one of which is the seedlings’ quality. Light has an enormous effect on seedlings; however, in passive greenhouses, [...] Read more.
Tomato is an important crop worldwide. Commonly, the production process is initiated in nurseries that provide seedlings to greenhouse growers. Many factors influence crop production, one of which is the seedlings’ quality. Light has an enormous effect on seedlings; however, in passive greenhouses, its control is quite difficult. In this situation, plants are usually affected by low or high light intensities which induces poor growth on plants. On the other hand, there is some evidence that sucrose applications could compensate for the adverse effects caused by low light intensities and other abiotic factors like salinity, drought, and temperature. In this way, this research aimed to assess the impact of exogenous sucrose on the morphology, quality, and growth of tomato seedlings cultivated under low-tech greenhouse conditions commonly observed in tropical and subtropical commercial nurseries. Four sucrose treatments were proposed (0, 1, 10, and 100 mM). On days 28, 32, 36, 40, and 44 after sowing, several morphological, physiological and growth measurements were evaluated. Sucrose-treated plants displayed higher leaf areas and chlorophyll contents, facilitating light absorption. Therefore, the relative growth rate (RGR) was enhanced and better explained by a higher net assimilation rate (NAR). Consequently, a higher dry matter accumulation and Dixon quality index (DQI) were achieved. Plants under treatment at 100 mM exhibited the best performance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effects of Biostimulants on the Growth and Development of Horticultural Crops)
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18 pages, 9287 KiB  
Article
Foliar Methyl Jasmonate Application Activates Antioxidant Mechanisms to Counteract Water Deficits and Aluminum Stress in Vaccinium corymbosum L.
by Cristina Cáceres, Crystal Cazor-Curilef, Patricio Delgado-Santibañez, Mariana Machado, Mabel Delgado, Alejandra Ribera-Fonseca, Claudio Inostroza-Blancheteau, Leon A. Bravo, Jorge González-Villagra, Adriano Nunes-Nesi and Marjorie Reyes-Díaz
Horticulturae 2024, 10(11), 1172; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae10111172 - 6 Nov 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1013
Abstract
Due to climate change, water deficits (WDs) and aluminum (Al) toxicity are increasing, affecting plants, especially crops such as blueberries (Vaccinium corymbosum L.). The application of methyl jasmonate (MeJA) could mitigate these effects. This work aimed to evaluate the effective MeJA dose [...] Read more.
Due to climate change, water deficits (WDs) and aluminum (Al) toxicity are increasing, affecting plants, especially crops such as blueberries (Vaccinium corymbosum L.). The application of methyl jasmonate (MeJA) could mitigate these effects. This work aimed to evaluate the effective MeJA dose to overcome oxidative stress provoked by combined WD+Al stress in blueberries. Plants of Al-sensitive (Star) and Al-resistant (Legacy) cultivars were exposed to control (Al at 65 mg/Kg, 80% field capacity), WD+Al (50% field capacity; Al at 1665 mg/Kg), and WD+Al treatment with different foliar MeJA doses (10, 50, and 100 μM) during 7 and 21 days. Data revealed that plants exposed to WD+Al and treated with 50 µM MeJA reduced Al up to 3.2-fold in roots and 2.7-fold in leaves and improved water potential (Ψw) up to 2.5-fold. The sensitive cultivar decreased the relative growth rate under WD+Al, increasing by 1.9-fold with 50 µM MeJA. Under WD+Al stress, all MeJA doses mitigated the decrease in relative water content in Al-resistant cultivars, restoring values like control plants. In the sensitive cultivar, 50 µM MeJA increased photosynthesis (1.5-fold) and stomatal conductance (1.4-fold), without changes in transpiration. Lipid peroxidation decreased (1.2-fold) and increased antioxidant activity (1.8-fold), total phenols (1.6-fold), and superoxide dismutase activity (3.3-fold) under WD+Al and 50 µM-MeJA. It was concluded that the most effective dose to alleviate the WD+Al stress was 50 µM MeJA due to the activation of antioxidants in blueberry plants. Therefore, the MeJA application could be a potential strategy for enhancing the resilience of V. corynbosum exposed to WD+Al stress. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effects of Biostimulants on the Growth and Development of Horticultural Crops)
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17 pages, 6488 KiB  
Article
The Effect of Humic-Based Biostimulants on the Yield and Quality Parameters of Chili Peppers
by Ivana Mezeyová, Ivana Kollárová, Marcel Golian, Július Árvay, Ján Mezey, Miroslav Šlosár, Lucia Galovičová, Robert Rosa, Martin Bakalár and Tereza Horečná
Horticulturae 2024, 10(9), 998; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae10090998 - 20 Sep 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2274
Abstract
Chili peppers are globally cultivated for their rich bioactive compound profile. This study investigates the impact of two biostimulants, Humix® and Energen, on Capsicum chinense ‘Habanero Orange’ and Capsicum annuum ‘Kristian’, focusing on quantitative and qualitative parameters. Conducted over two years with [...] Read more.
Chili peppers are globally cultivated for their rich bioactive compound profile. This study investigates the impact of two biostimulants, Humix® and Energen, on Capsicum chinense ‘Habanero Orange’ and Capsicum annuum ‘Kristian’, focusing on quantitative and qualitative parameters. Conducted over two years with three annual harvests, the research assesses the effects of biostimulant application on yield, fresh fruit number, fruit weight, drying ratio, capsaicin, dihydrocapsaicin, and ascorbic acid content (via HPLC-DAD analysis), as well as carotenoid levels (via spectrophotometric analysis). Biostimulant application significantly increased (p ≤ 0.05) total yields and capsaicin levels. Harvest timing also influenced dihydrocapsaicin and capsaicin levels, with the third harvest showing the highest values (p ≤ 0.001). The effects on ascorbic acid and carotenoids were variable and depended on genotype, harvest, and treatment. Thus, our study provides insights into the dynamic responses of Capsicum species to biostimulants under variable climatic conditions, contributing new knowledge to agricultural practices and the scientific understanding of biostimulant effects in Capsicum production. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effects of Biostimulants on the Growth and Development of Horticultural Crops)
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