Vol. 12, Issue 1 (2023)

Author(s):
Shreya, Arjoo and Rajat

Abstract:
With the advent of climate change, abiotic stresses such as temperature extremities, nutritional imbalance, salinity, drought and flood are not only ravaging cereal crops but are also curtailing the performance of fruit crops around the world. Abiotic stresses have a profound impact on plant growth, development, quality and production and when such stresses occur at the most vulnerable phenological phases of plant growth, the crop yield is reduced drastically. There are several ways to induce abiotic stress tolerance in the target plant species but Biostimulants, both non-microbial and microbial, have been proposed as one of the most sustainable solutions to combat such stresses. They basically stimulate plant growth and development without posing any risk to humans and the natural environment as their chemical counterparts are doing currently. They contain bioactive molecules which along with boosting plant growth, production and quality, improve their ability to cope with environmental adversities. They interact with the primary and secondary metabolism of the plant involved in stress responses and increase antioxidant buildup, allowing for a reduction in plant stress sensitivity. Biostimulants containing anti-stress chemicals, such as proline or glutamic acid, can be used before or during stress conditions, whereas, those involved in the activation of bioactive chemical production, must be used before the stress arises. Biostimulants can be applied as a foliar spray or to the roots, at planting to protect the seedling during the early phases of development, or during flowering or fruit set. Therefore, biostimulants offer immense potential to sustainably mitigate stress-driven adverse impacts on crops.