Biostimulants 301
From discovery to practice to market
“Biostimulants 301: From discovery to practice to market” offers a comprehensive, three-day educational program designed to provide professionals with an in-depth understanding of biostimulant technology, from cutting edge research to real world applications and commercialization.
The first day sets the foundation, starting with a broad overview of the journey of biostimulants from discovery through to market implementation, presented by Prof. Giuseppe Colla. A key focus is placed on advanced research methods, including a session by Dr. Marzia Leporino, who addresses “How Multi-Omics accelerates biostimulant screening: Phenotyping and Metabolomics Combined.”
Day two delves into practical applications and specialized production systems. Prof. Youssef Rouphael continues the “Biostimulants: From Discovery to Practice to Market” theme, bridging research with practical implementation. The day also features a specialized case study with Dr. Christophe El Nakhel, focusing on the use of “Biostimulants in Microgreens food production.”
The final day offers targeted case studies. Prof. Manuela Giovannetti presents an in-depth look at “Microbial biostimulants: A case study on mycorrhizal fungi.” Concluding the instructional portion, Dr. Michele Ciriello provides a comprehensive view of “From the nursery to the field: Biostimulants in the tomato production chain.”
Key Takeaways and Core Concepts
Biostimulants increase plant nutrient uptake primarily by enhancing root growth, microbial activity, and nutrient availability, rather than simply supplying large amounts of essential nutrients directly.
They are shown to perform better under stressful environmental conditions, such as drought, salinity, heat, or nutrient deficiency, by helping plants mitigate these abiotic stresses. For instance, the course explores how abiotic stresses like drought and soil alkalinity impose the shared primary challenge of limiting water and/or nutrient accessibility to the roots.
The module highlights the multiple roles of specific biostimulant categories, such as plant-derived protein hydrolysates (PHs), which offer dual benefits by enhancing stress tolerance and improving nutrient uptake. The bioactive compounds of seaweed extracts, another key biostimulant source, are noted to include carbohydrates, fulvic acids, and amino acids.
An emphasis is placed on modern evaluation techniques, specifically citing the combined “multi-omics” approach of Phenotyping and Metabolomics to screen and assess the effects of biostimulants.
The course covers best practices for application, noting that arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi can be cultivated in trap plants in pot-cultures. Additionally, effective biostimulant application in microgreens cultivation includes seed priming and direct application in nutrient solutions in floating systems (not typically foliar), while avoiding practices like fungicide application.
A crucial point is that biostimulants can help improve farmer profitability and reduce the use of synthetic fertilizers. However, a key distinction is made: biostimulants cannot replace fertilizers in all systems, such as hydroponics.
Experience the Course
Watch the official trailer to learn more about our curriculum and faculty.
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