Summary
This narrative review synthesises evidence on protein hydrolysates (PHs)—biostimulants derived from enzymatic or chemical hydrolysis of animal and plant proteins—and their mechanisms of action in enhancing crop resilience to environmental stress. The authors document beneficial effects on photosynthesis, nutrient metabolism, and stress-protective processes including antioxidant activity and osmotic adjustment, whilst highlighting critical gaps in mechanistic understanding that must be addressed to optimise their agricultural application under climate change.
UK applicability
Findings are applicable to UK farming systems seeking to enhance crop resilience under increasing climatic variability and water stress. However, uptake will depend on regulatory approval pathways for biostimulants in the UK and cost-effectiveness relative to conventional inputs.
Key measures
Photosynthetic activity, nutrient assimilation and translocation, quality parameters, antioxidant activity, osmotic adjustment, hormone-like activities, abiotic stress tolerance
Outcomes reported
The review synthesises mechanistic understanding of how protein hydrolysates enhance plant physiological processes and abiotic stress tolerance. It identifies current knowledge gaps regarding modes of action that must be addressed to optimise biostimulant use under climate change.
Topic tags
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