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Plant Science Today (PST)

Review Articles

Early Access

Biostimulants: Mitigation strategy for salinity stress in fruit crops

DOI
https://doi.org/10.14719/pst.3273
Submitted
10 January 2024
Published
28-12-2024
Versions

Abstract

The burgeoning specter of abiotic stresses caused by global climate change, including drought, salt, extremely high temperatures, heavy metals and UV radiation, has rendered fragile agroecosystems increasingly precarious. This has reduced the production and quality of fruit crops. The burden on plants might be even worse if several stressors occur at once. These multifarious stressors have led to a 70 % reduction in annual agricultural production globally, sparking the embers of food scarcity and stoking the fires of hunger within our ever-expanding populace. However, within this seemingly hopeless situation, a number of alternatives have surfaced as a glimmer of light. Biostimulants, derived from natural or organic sources, enhance plant development and resilience by enhancing their capacity to absorb nutrients, withstand stress and sustain overall health. The exogenous application of biostimulants on an organic basis has emerged as a powerful treatment for certain of them, promoting plant growth and production in the face of adversity. These biostimulants work across a wide range of pathways, composing a symphony of resistance to stress-related difficulties. Only a few papers have provided information on plant biostimulants’ impacts on fruit quality, which is connected to appearance, chemical composition and physical characteristics. The objective of this review is to assess the efficacy of externally applied organic biostimulants in improving plant growth and productivity, especially in challenging environments. These biostimulants enhance plant resilience, nutrient absorption and overall health, providing a sustainable solution to agricultural difficulties. They also have a sustainable appeal since they are organic, satisfying the desire of customers who are concerned about the advantages of eating healthier food.

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