Description
Book SynopsisThis collection features five peer-reviewed reviews on biostimulant applications in agriculture.The first chapter provides a comprehensive overview of the optimal design and formulation of microbial and non-microbial biostimulants. The chapter presents two case studies to demonstrate the successful commercialisation of microbial and non-microbial biostimulant products.
The second chapter considers the utilisation of humic substances (HS) as plant biostimulants in agriculture and their impact on the physical and chemical properties of soil. The chapter also discusses the production of HS.
The third chapter reviews the wealth of research on the mechanism of action, applications and efficacy of key biostimulants such as Bacillus species, Pseudomonas species, Trichoderma species and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi.
The fourth chapter assesses recent advances in the use of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) as a means of enhancing crop root function and nutrient use. The chapter also considers the challenge of practical adoption and use of PGPR in commercial agricultural settings.
The final chapter reviews the utilisation of biostimulants as an integrated pest management tool in horticulture. The chapter considers their role in promoting plant growth, building soil structure, as well as pest and disease suppression.
Table of ContentsChapter 1 - Designing and formulating microbial and non-microbial biostimulants:
Paolo Bonini, NGAlab, Spain; Veronica Cirino, Atens Agrotecnologias Naturales S.L., Spain; Helene Reynaud, Italpollina USA, USA; Youssef Rouphael, University of Naples Federico II, Italy; Mariateresa Cardarelli, CREA, Centro di ricerca Orticoltura e Florovivaismo, Italy; and Giuseppe Colla, University of Tuscia, Italy; 1 Introduction2 The biostimulant development process3 Industrial case study 1: mycorrhizal inoculants4 Industrial case study 2: vegetal-based protein hydrolysates5 Future trends6 References
Chapter 2 - Humic substances (HS) as plant biostimulants in agriculture:
Andrea Ertani, Università degli Studi di Padova and Università degli Studi di Torino, Italy; and Michela Schiavon and Serenella Nardi, Università degli Studi di Padova, Italy; 1 Introduction2 Production and characteristics of humic substances3 Humic substances and plant nutrition4 Effects of humic substances on soil5 Biological activities of humic substances6 Commercial humates in agriculture7 Conclusions8 References
Chapter 3 - Bio-effectors to optimize the mineral nutrition of crop plants:
Markus Weinmann and Günter Neumann, University Hohenheim, Germany; 1 Introduction2 Defining ‘bio-effectors’ and other key terms3 Bacillus species4 Pseudomonas species5 Trichoderma species6 Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi7 Synergies between bio-effectors8 Improving bio-effector functionality9 Case study: the BioFector Project10 Conclusions11 Where to look for further information12 References
Chapter 4 - The use of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) to improve root function and crop nutrient use efficiency:
Melissa M. Larrabee and Louise M. Nelson, University of British Columbia, Canada; 1 Introduction2 The effect of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria on root function3 The effect of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria on plant mineral nutrition4 Future trends in research5 Conclusion6 Where to look for further information7 References
Chapter 5 - Advances in biostimulants as an integrated pest management tool in horticulture:
Surendra K. Dara, University of California Cooperative Extension, USA; 1 Introduction2 Integrated pest management3 Enhancement of crop growth, health and yield4 Enhancement of soil health5 Inducing natural resistance6 Suppression of diseases7 Suppression of arthropod pests8 Tolerance to abiotic stresses9 Multitrophic interactions and influencing factors10 Strategies of using biostimulants11 Challenges and future needs12 Conclusion13 Where to look for further information14 References
