Summary
This narrative review synthesises recent advances in understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying the agronomic benefits of plant biostimulants. The authors examine four major biostimulant categories—humic substances, protein hydrolysates, seaweed extracts, and microorganisms—and their effects at the cellular and gene expression level. The review highlights both the promise of these sustainable alternatives to conventional agricultural inputs and the analytical challenge posed by the complex, variable composition of commercial biostimulant products.
UK applicability
The molecular mechanisms described are likely applicable to UK crop production systems, though field validation under UK growing conditions would be needed to confirm efficacy. The findings support UK policy interest in reducing reliance on synthetic inputs, though uptake will depend on product standardisation and availability.
Key measures
Molecular pathways, cellular mechanisms, gene expression changes, and biochemical effects triggered by various biostimulant classes
Outcomes reported
The review synthesises recent molecular-level findings on how plant biostimulants (humic substances, protein hydrolysates, seaweed extracts, and microorganisms) influence cellular and gene-level pathways in plants. It examines the mechanistic basis by which these products improve plant growth, crop production, quality, and stress resilience.
Topic tags
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