BIOSTIMULANTS: A QUICK OVERVIEW

Definition: Biostimulants ARE substances or microorganisms applied to plants, seeds, or media that boost growth, yield, quality, nutrient-use efficiency, stress tolerance, or soil health via physiological/biochemical effects rather than by supplying essential nutrients or acting as pesticides. Examples: humic/fulvic acids, seaweed extracts, protein hydrolysates, amino acids, beneficial microbes (e.g., PGPR, mycorrhizae), and certain organics. Actions include stimulating roots, improving nutrient uptake/translocation and water-use efficiency, modulating hormone-like responses, and activating stress-response pathways. Regulatory definitions and allowed claims vary; biostimulants differ from fertilizers and plant protection products because they don’t primarily provide nutrients or directly control pests.