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Plant Biostimulants in Sustainable Horticulture and Agriculture: Development, Function, and Applications

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A special issue of Plants (ISSN 2223-7747). This special issue belongs to the section "Crop Physiology and Crop Production".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 June 2024 | Viewed by 10452

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Special Issue Editors

Dr. Mohamad Hesam Shahrajabian

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Guest Editor

Biotechnology Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China
Interests: organic agriculture; crops; biostimulants; horticulture; forage crops; soil science; sustainable agriculture
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Spyridon A. Petropoulos

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Guest Editor

Department of Agriculture, Crop Production and Rural Environment, University of Thessaly, 38446 Volos, Greece
Interests: organic agriculture; agrobiodiversity; vegetable crops; biostimulants; horticulture; fruit quality; wild edible species; essential oils; medicinal and aromatic plants; stress physiology; bioactve compounds
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The growing need for food production through sustainable cultivation practices, without reducing crop yield and producer income, is a major objective due to increased environmental pollution and the gradual degradation of cultivated soils. Various compounds with bioactive properties can be utilized as biostimulants to boost plant growth and development under normal and stressful conditions. So far, six distinct categories of biostimulants have been recognized, including microbial inoculants; humic substances, such as humic and fulvic acids; protein hydrolysates and amino acids; biopolymers; inorganic compounds; and seaweed extracts, all of which are commercially available with wide applications in agriculture. The most important biostimulant effects on crops are the acceleration of crop establishment, the improvement in nutrient uptake and nutrients use efficiency, the induction of tolerance to biotic and abiotic stressors, the improvement in seed germination, the increase in shelf life of perishable products, the reduction in nutrients leaching, the improvement in root development, the removal of heavy metals from contaminated soils, the improvement in crop performance, the stimulation of the immune system of plants, the improvement in visual quality of final products, and the induction of the biosynthesis of plant defensive biomolecules. Different classification approaches have been suggested so far, based either on the origin of each biostimulant, such as biological or non-biological, microbial and non-microbial, or on the mode of action which divides biostimulants into phytohormonal and non-phytohormonal ones.

This Special Issue focuses on the roles and functions of different types of biostimulants on different agricultural and horticultural crops within the framework of sustainable crop management, aiming to gather critical and important information regarding their positive effects on plant growth and final yield, as well as their impacts on the quality of the final product. Furthermore, the major limitations of these practices as well as the future prospects of biostimulant studies will be presented.

Dr. Mohamad Hesam Shahrajabian
Dr. Spyridon A. Petropoulos
Guest Editors

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Keywords

biostimulants
chitosan
arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi
amino acids
organic farming
vegetable crops
horticultural crops
microbial biostimulants

Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

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14 pages, 1795 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Codium fragile (Suringar) Hariot as Biostimulant Agent to Alleviate Salt Stress in Durum Wheat: Preliminary Results from Germination Trials

by Angelo Rossini, Roberto Ruggeri, Nada Mzid, Francesco Rossini and Giuseppe Di Miceli

Plants 2024, 13(2), 283; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13020283 - 18 Jan 2024

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 866

Abstract

Soil salinization is a critical environmental problem in arid and semiarid regions of the world. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of an algae-based biostimulant on germination and seedling vigour of durum wheat (Triticum turgidum L. subsp. durum (Desf.) Husn.), under different saline conditions (0, 100, and 200 mM NaCl). The experiment was carried out under controlled-environment conditions. Seeds were sprayed with a solution containing a combination of fungicide and different concentrations of Codium fragile (Suringar) Hariot algae (0%_w_/v, 10%_w_/v, 20%_w_/v, and 30%_w_/v). All experimental units were placed in a germination cabinet. The effect of the seaweed extract (SWE) on seed germination and seedling performance under salinity stress was evaluated over a period of 8 days. Coleoptile length and biomass were found to be significantly and positively affected by the application of different SWE doses as compared to the control treatment (0% algae). As for germination traits, seeds treated with SWE showed a final germination (from 82% to 88%), under severe saline conditions, significantly higher than that observed in the control treatment (61%). Our findings indicate that the appropriate dose of biostimulant can markedly improve the germination and the seedlings vigour of durum wheat seeds under saline conditions. Additional studies will be needed to understand the mechanism of action of this biostimulant and its effectiveness in longer studies under field conditions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Biostimulants in Sustainable Horticulture and Agriculture: Development, Function, and Applications)

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19 pages, 2904 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Biostimulant Based on Silicon Chelates Enhances Growth and Modulates Physiological Responses of In-Vitro-Derived Strawberry Plants to In Vivo Conditions

by Elena Ambros, Olga Kotsupiy, Evgeniya Karpova, Ulyana Panova, Alexander Chernonosov, Elena Trofimova and Boris Goldenberg

Plants 2023, 12(24), 4193; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12244193 - 18 Dec 2023

Viewed by 956

Abstract

The purpose was to assess the effects of a biostimulant based on silicon chelates in terms of alleviation of the impact of in vivo conditions on strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa cv. ‘Solnechnaya polyanka’) in-vitro-derived plants. As a source of silicon chelates, a mechanocomposite (MC) obtained through mechanochemical processing of rice husks and green tea was used. Root treatment of plants with 0.3 g L⁻¹ of MC dissolved in tap water was performed at 2 weeks after planting. Control plants were watered with tap water. The greatest shoot height, number of roots per plant, root length, number of stolons per plant, daughter ramets per stolon, relative water content, cuticle thickness, and root and shoot biomasses were achieved with the MC supplementation. The improved parameters were associated with a higher silicon content of roots and shoots of the MC-treated plants. Leaf concentrations of hydrogen peroxide and abscisic acid were reduced by the MC. This effect was accompanied by enhanced activity of superoxide dismutase and catalase. The phenolic profile showed upregulation of p-hydroxybenzoic acid, vanillic acid, gallic acid, syringic acid, and ellagic acid derivative 2, while kaempferol rutinoside and catechins were downregulated. Thus, silicon chelates improve growth and trigger the physiological processes that enhance free-radical-scavenging activity in strawberry plants in vivo. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Biostimulants in Sustainable Horticulture and Agriculture: Development, Function, and Applications)

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18 pages, 4618 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Biostimulatory Effects of Chlorella fusca CHK0059 on Plant Growth and Fruit Quality of Strawberry

by Young-Nam Kim, Jun Hyeok Choi, Song Yeob Kim, Young-Eun Yoon, Hyeonji Choe, Keum-Ah Lee, Vimalraj Kantharaj, Min-Jeong Kim and Yong Bok Lee

Plants 2023, 12(24), 4132; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12244132 - 11 Dec 2023

Viewed by 932

Abstract

Green algae have been receiving widespread attention for their use as biofertilizers for agricultural production, but more studies are required to increase the efficiency of their use. This study aimed to investigate the effects of different levels of Chlorella fusca CHK0059 application on strawberry plant growth and fruit quality. A total of 800 strawberry seedlings were planted in a greenhouse and were grown for seven months under different Chlorella application rates: 0 (control), 0.1, 0.2, and 0.4% of the optimal cell density (OCD; 1.0 × 10⁷ cells mL⁻¹). The Chlorella application was conducted weekly via an irrigation system, and the characteristics of fruit samples were monitored monthly over a period of five months. The growth (e.g., phenotype, dry weight, and nutrition) and physiological (e.g., Fv/Fm and chlorophylls) parameters of strawberry plants appeared to be enhanced by Chlorella application over time, an enhancement which became greater as the application rate increased. Likewise, the hardness and P content of strawberry fruits had a similar trend. Meanwhile, 0.2% OCD treatment induced the highest values of soluble solid content (9.3–12 °Brix) and sucrose content (2.06–2.97 g 100 g⁻¹) in the fruits as well as fruit flavor quality indices (e.g., sugars:acids ratio and sweetness index) during the monitoring, whilst control treatment represented the lowest values. In addition, the highest anthocyanin content in fruits was observed in 0.4% OCD treatment, which induced the lowest incidence of grey mold disease (Botrytis cinerea) on postharvest fruits for 45 days. Moreover, a high correlation between plants’ nutrients and photosynthetic variables and fruits’ sucrose and anthocyanin contents was identified through the results of principal component analysis. Overall, C. fusca CHK0059 application was found to promote the overall growth and performance of strawberry plants, contributing to the improvement of strawberry quality and yield, especially in 0.2% OCD treatment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Biostimulants in Sustainable Horticulture and Agriculture: Development, Function, and Applications)

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26 pages, 7297 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Multifarious Characterization and Efficacy of Three Phosphate-Solubilizing Aspergillus Species as Biostimulants in Improving Root Induction of Cassava and Sugarcane Stem Cuttings

by Surapong Khuna, Jaturong Kumla, Sirasit Srinuanpan, Saisamorn Lumyong and Nakarin Suwannarach

Plants 2023, 12(20), 3630; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12203630 - 20 Oct 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1268

Abstract

Several soil fungi significantly contribute to the enhancement of plant development by improving nutrient uptake and producing growth-promoting metabolites. In the present study, three strains of phosphate-solubilizing fungi, namely, Aspergillus chiangmaiensis SDBR-CMUI4, A. pseudopiperis SDBR-CMUI1, and A. pseudotubingensis SDBR-CMUO2, were examined for their plant-growth-promoting capabilities. The findings demonstrated that all fungi showed positive siderophore production, but only A. pseudopiperis can produce indole-3-acetic acid. All fungi were able to solubilize insoluble phosphate minerals [Ca₃(PO₄)₂ and FePO₄] by producing phosphatase enzymes and organic acids (oxalic, tartaric, and succinic acids). These three fungal species were grown at a water activity ranging from 0.837 to 0.998, pH values ranging from 4 to 9, temperatures between 4 and 40 °C, and 16–17% NaCl in order to evaluate their drought, pH, temperature, and salt tolerances, respectively. Moreover, the results indicated that A. pseudopiperis and A. pseudotubingensis were able to tolerate commercial insecticides (methomyl and propargite) at the recommended dosages for field application. The viability of each fungal strain in the inoculum was higher than 50% at 4 and 20 °C after 3 months of storage. Subsequently, all fungi were characterized as plant-growth-promoting strains by improving the root inductions of cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) and sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.) stem cuttings in greenhouse experiments. No symptoms of plant disease were observed with any of the treatments involving fungal inoculation and control. The cassava and sugarcane stem cuttings inoculated with fungal strains and supplemented with Ca₃(PO₄)₂ exhibited significantly increased root lengths, shoot and root dry biomasses, chlorophyll concentrations, and cellular inorganic phosphate contents. Therefore, the application of these phosphate-solubilizing fungi is regarded as a new frontier in the induction of roots and the promotion of growth in plants. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Biostimulants in Sustainable Horticulture and Agriculture: Development, Function, and Applications)

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Review

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38 pages, 1208 KiB

Open AccessReview

The Application of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi as Microbial Biostimulant, Sustainable Approaches in Modern Agriculture

by Wenli Sun and Mohamad Hesam Shahrajabian

Plants 2023, 12(17), 3101; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12173101 - 29 Aug 2023

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 2959

Abstract

Biostimulant application can be considered an effective, practical, and sustainable nutritional crop supplementation and may lessen the environmental problems related to excessive fertilization. Biostimulants provide beneficial properties to plants by increasing plant metabolism, which promotes crop yield and improves the quality of crops; protecting plants against environmental stresses such as water shortage, soil salinization, and exposure to sub-optimal growth temperatures; and promoting plant growth via higher nutrient uptake. Other important benefits include promoting soil enzymatic and microbial activities, changing the architecture of roots, increasing the solubility and mobility of micronutrients, and enhancing the fertility of the soil, predominantly by nurturing the development of complementary soil microbes. Biostimulants are classified as microbial, such as arbuscular mycorrhizae fungi (AMF), plant-growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR), non-pathogenic fungi, protozoa, and nematodes, or non-microbial, such as seaweed extract, phosphite, humic acid, other inorganic salts, chitin and chitosan derivatives, protein hydrolysates and free amino acids, and complex organic materials. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi are among the most prominent microbial biostimulants and have an important role in cultivating better, healthier, and more functional foods in sustainable agriculture. AMF assist plant nutrient and water acquisition; enhance plant stress tolerance against salinity, drought, and heavy metals; and reduce soil erosion. AMF are proven to be a sustainable and environmentally friendly source of crop supplements. The current manuscript gives many examples of the potential of biostimulants for the production of different crops. However, further studies are needed to better understand the effectiveness of different biostimulants in sustainable agriculture. The review focuses on how AMF application can overcome nutrient limitations typical of organic systems by improving nutrient availability, uptake, and assimilation, consequently reducing the gap between organic and conventional yields. The aim of this literature review is to survey the impacts of AMF by presenting case studies and successful paradigms in different crops as well as introducing the main mechanisms of action of the different biostimulant products. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Biostimulants in Sustainable Horticulture and Agriculture: Development, Function, and Applications)

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18 pages, 610 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperReview

Developing Sustainable Agriculture Systems in Medicinal and Aromatic Plant Production by Using Chitosan and Chitin-Based Biostimulants

by Wenli Sun, Mohamad Hesam Shahrajabian, Spyridon A. Petropoulos and Nazanin Shahrajabian

Plants 2023, 12(13), 2469; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12132469 - 28 Jun 2023

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 2706

Abstract

Chitosan is illustrated in research as a stimulant of plant tolerance and resistance that promotes natural defense mechanisms against biotic and abiotic stressors, and its use may lessen the amount of agrochemicals utilized in agriculture. Recent literature reports indicate the high efficacy of soil or foliar usage of chitin and chitosan in the promotion of plant growth and the induction of secondary metabolites biosynthesis in various species, such as Artemisia annua, Curcuma longa, Dracocephalum kotschyi, Catharanthus roseus, Fragaria × ananassa, Ginkgo biloba, Iberis amara, Isatis tinctoria, Melissa officinalis, Mentha piperita, Ocimum basilicum, Origanum vulgare ssp. Hirtum, Psammosilene tunicoides, Salvia officinalis, Satureja isophylla, Stevia rebaudiana, and Sylibum marianum, among others. This work focuses on the outstanding scientific contributions to the field of the production and quality of aromatic and medicinal plants, based on the different functions of chitosan and chitin in sustainable crop production. The application of chitosan can lead to increased medicinal plant production and protects plants against harmful microorganisms. The effectiveness of chitin and chitosan is also due to the low concentration required, low cost, and environmental safety. On the basis of showing such considerable characteristics, there is increasing attention on the application of chitin and chitosan biopolymers in horticulture and agriculture productions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Biostimulants in Sustainable Horticulture and Agriculture: Development, Function, and Applications)

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