In an era of global instability and climate crisis, finding ways to protect our food supply without harming the planet has never been more urgent. The authors explain that climate change is currently a primary concern for the agricultural sector because it directly limits both the quantity and quality of our crops.
They point out that international political instability and ongoing conflicts are adding even more pressure on farmers to boost productivity quickly and sustainably. According to the researchers, biostimulants can be an effective tool in this fight by helping plants survive harsh environmental conditions like drought, high salt levels, heavy metals, and extreme temperatures.
The study describes how these substances work through complex internal mechanisms, such as changing gene expression, adjusting metabolism, and boosting the production of natural antioxidants to protect the plant from oxidative stress.
However, the authors also take a critical view, noting that the use of biostimulants has its limitations and should not be seen as a magic bullet. They emphasize that these tools must be used alongside proper crop management and other sustainable resources to truly ensure reliable yields.
Ultimately, the researchers argue for a broader, more integrated vision of sustainable agriculture that acknowledges both the potential and the boundaries of these technologies in our changing climate.
Learn more about this study here: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.plaphy.2024.108699
Reference:
Zulfiqar, F., Moosa, A., Ali, H. M., Bermejo, N. F., & Munné-Bosch, S. (2024). Biostimulants: A sufficiently effective tool for sustainable agriculture in the era of climate change? Plant Physiology and Biochemistry, 211, 108699.