Summary
This narrative review evaluates the evidence base for biostimulant use in sweet cherry production, examining multiple product categories and their effects on tree physiology, productivity, and fruit quality. The authors position biostimulants as environmentally sustainable alternatives for intensifying horticultural output whilst addressing production challenges such as fruit cracking and short shelf-life. The review contributes to understanding how biological and chemical amendments might support more resource-efficient and sustainable cherry production systems in response to food security pressures.
UK applicability
Sweet cherry production in the UK is limited to temperate regions, primarily Southeast England; this review's findings on biostimulant efficacy would be applicable to UK cherry growers seeking to improve yield and quality whilst reducing chemical inputs. However, UK-specific data on biostimulant performance under British growing conditions and climate would strengthen practical adoption.
Key measures
Plant growth metrics, crop production yield, fruit quality attributes (including colour, flavour, shelf-life), nutrient uptake efficiency, physiological disorder incidence (e.g. fruit cracking), stress tolerance indicators
Outcomes reported
The review synthesises evidence on how various biostimulant classes (humic and fulvic acids, protein hydrolysates, seaweed extracts, chitosan, beneficial microorganisms, and inorganic compounds) affect sweet cherry tree physiology, yield, and fruit quality attributes. The authors evaluate biostimulants' capacity to mitigate physiological disorders including fruit cracking and premature senescence, and to enhance nutrient uptake and stress tolerance.
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