A bioeffector, also known as a plant biostimulant, is a substance or microorganism that, when applied to plants or the surrounding soil, stimulates natural processes to enhance nutrient uptake, stress tolerance, and plant growth, ultimately aiming to reduce the use of agrochemicals in crop production.
Here's a more detailed explanation:
What they are:
Bioeffectors are not fertilizers, meaning they don't directly provide nutrients to plants, but instead they enhance the plant's ability to absorb and utilize nutrients.
How they work:
They can be derived from various natural sources, including beneficial microbes or active natural metabolites. They stimulate natural processes within the plant, such as nutrient uptake, stress tolerance, and growth, without directly providing nutrients.
Benefits:
Reduced agrochemical use: By improving plant health and resilience, bioeffectors can help reduce the need for fertilizers and pesticides.
Enhanced nutrient uptake: They can improve the plant's ability to absorb and utilize nutrients from the soil.
Improved stress tolerance: Bioeffectors can help plants withstand various abiotic and biotic stresses, such as drought, heat, cold, and diseases.
Types:
Microbial: Beneficial microbes, like bacteria and fungi, that can promote plant growth and nutrient uptake.
Non-microbial: Substances derived from plants, plant residues, or wastes, such as humic acids, amino acids, and seaweed extracts.
Examples of Bioeffectors:
Humic acids
Amino acids
Seaweed extracts
Certain bacteria and fungi
Bioeffectors in Research and Agriculture:
The use of bioeffectors is gaining popularity as a sustainable approach to agriculture.
Research is ongoing to identify and develop effective bioeffectors for various crops and environmental conditions.
Projects like the European project BIOFECTOR are investigating the use of bioeffectors to improve nutrient utilization in crops and reduce the reliance on mineral fertilizers.