Abstract
Biostimulants (BSs) are probably one of the most promising alternatives nowadays to cope with yield losses caused by plant stress, which are intensified by climate change. Biostimulants comprise many different compounds with positive effects on plants, excluding pesticides and chemical fertilisers. Usually mixtures such as lixiviates from proteins or algal extracts have been used, but currently companies are interested in more specific compounds that are capable of increasing tolerance against abiotic stress. Individual application of a pure active compound offers researchers the opportunity to better standarise formulations, learn more about the plant defence process itself and assist the agrochemical industry in the development of new products. This review attempts to summarise the state of the art regarding various families of organic compounds and their mode/mechanism of action as BSs, and how they can help maximise agricultural yields under stress conditions aggravated by climate change.
Highlights
The United Nations has set 17 goals for sustainable development worldwide, number two being to reach zero hunger by 2030
BABA-enhanced tolerance to drought stress in maize is effected through the jasmonic acid (JA) pathway through the activation of antioxidant defences; abscisic acid (ABA) is involved (Shaw et al, 2016)
The tolerance to drought stress of pepper plants (C. annuum L) increased with ascorbic acid treatment, by increasing the activity of antioxidant enzymes, but growth and yield were affected compared to those achieved with full irrigation (Khazaei et al, 2020)
Summary
The United Nations has set 17 goals for sustainable development worldwide, number two being to reach zero hunger by 2030. In a recent study (Hanif et al, 2020) showed that a foliar spray with Pro increased the activities of antioxidant enzymes, enhancing tolerance to drought and heat stress. Seed priming of V. radiata enhanced its tolerance to salt and polyethylene glycol (PEG) stress, by increasing photosynthetic activities, antioxidant defences, and proline accumulation, and by reducing malondialdehyde content (Jisha and Puthur, 2016).
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
