Biostimulants for Plant Mitigation of Abiotic Stresses in Plants

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 December 2025 | Viewed by 469

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
Department of Botany, Ecology and Plant Physiology, Area of Plant Physiology, Science Faculty, University of La Laguna, Avenida Astrofísico Francisco Sánchez s/n, 38200 San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain
Interests: biotic and abiotic stress; priming; biostimulants; crop Production; transcriptomics
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Biostimulants are substances and microorganisms that play a crucial role in enhancing plant tolerance to abiotic stresses. They function by improving a plant's physiological processes, boosting nutrient uptake, stimulating growth, and strengthening a plant’s ability to withstand environmental challenges. The effectiveness of biostimulants is influenced by various factors, such as soil type, climate, and crop species. Proper application methods and dosage are essential for maximizing their benefits. When applied appropriately, biostimulants can significantly contribute to sustainable agricultural practices by enhancing crop resilience and helping to address the challenges posed by abiotic stresses in modern agriculture.

This Special Issue seeks to highlight the latest research on the use of biostimulants to mitigate abiotic stresses in crops. It will focus on their effectiveness, underlying mechanisms, and practical applications, ultimately contributing to the resilience of agriculture in the face of climate change.

Topics of interest include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • History and development of biostimulants;
  • Cellular and biochemical effects of biostimulants;
  • Biostimulants and transcriptomics;
  • Stress tolerance and crop production under biostimulant application;

Dr. J. C. Luis Jorge
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • biostimulants
  • abiotic stress
  • biotic stresses
  • crop production
  • crop resilience
  • molecular mechanisms
  • transcriptomics
  • climate change

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Published Papers (1 paper)

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Research

13 pages, 670 KB  
Article
Effects of Chili Straw Biochar on Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) Seed Germination and Seedling Growth on Electrolytic Manganese Residue
by Yang Luo, Yangzhou Xiang and Jun Ren
Plants 2025, 14(17), 2635; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14172635 - 24 Aug 2025
Viewed by 207
Abstract
This study employed a pot experiment to compare the effects of varying application rates of chili straw biochar on seed germination and seedling growth of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) cultivated in electrolytic manganese residue (EMR) and to elucidate the underlying mechanisms. We [...] Read more.
This study employed a pot experiment to compare the effects of varying application rates of chili straw biochar on seed germination and seedling growth of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) cultivated in electrolytic manganese residue (EMR) and to elucidate the underlying mechanisms. We aimed to provide a theoretical basis for vegetation restoration and manganese pollution control at EMR disposal sites. Our results indicated that while chili straw biochar did not affect the seed germination rate, it significantly enhanced the germination energy. In addition, treatment with 5% biochar significantly increased the germination index. Biochar application increased alfalfa seedling height (6.13 cm in the control group vs. 6.63–7.20 cm in the treated groups). Concurrently, the aboveground fresh biomass significantly increased by 49–77% compared to the control. Additionally, biochar application elevated chlorophyll content and reduced malondialdehyde content in alfalfa leaves. Correlation analysis revealed that the primary mechanisms underlying biochar-mediated improvement in seed germination and seedling growth involved enhancing the organic matter, available nitrogen, and available phosphorus content in the EMR, while decreasing the available manganese content. Overall, the application of 5% biochar in EMR optimally improved alfalfa plant growth and development. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biostimulants for Plant Mitigation of Abiotic Stresses in Plants)
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