Biostimulants also termed as plant conditioners or bioeffectors are substances, cultures of micro-organism, and mixtures of materials used to promote the growth of crop plants and can include natural or artificial plant growth regulators and biofertilizers. They do not include pesticides or fertilizers.
The concept has been developed on the basis of the idea that plants are not isolated entities but are grow within a complex ecosystem involving interactions with multiple organisms and that the strengths of these associations can be modified to enhance plant growth.
“A formulated product of biological origin that improves plant productivity as a consequence of the novel or emergent properties of the complex of constituents, and not as a sole consequence of the presence of known essential plant nutrients, plant growth regulators, or plant protective.compounds.
1.Seaweed extracts: Biostimulants that consist of seaweed extracts are used for horticultural crops to promote plant growth and build tolerance against abiotic stresses.
Seaweed extracts come in three different colours, which are green, brown, and red. The brown seaweed extracts include chemicals such as complex polysaccharides, mineral nutrients, fatty acids, vitamins, and phytohormones.
2. Amino Acids: Biostimulants with Amino acids help stimulate chlorophyll concentration so the plants can absorb higher levels of photosynthesis.
3. Fulvic and humic acids: Biostimulants with ingredients such as Fulvic and humic acids improve nutrient uptake and tolerance to abiotic stresses by stimulating the roots.
4. Complex Biostimulants: The third type of biostimulants combines all the sources that positively impact germination, root development, and chlorophyll production. The most recent practice going on in the agricultural industry is the use of Microbial Biostimulants, which are unknown to many farmers.
These stimulants help introduce non-pathogenic bacteria, mycorrhizal fungi, and other soil microorganisms. Biostimulants are made using natural/synthetic substances; they can be applied to crops/plants.
They stimulate the natural process of the plant by enhancing its natural nutrient uptake and tolerance to abiotic stresses, which improves the quality of the crop.