Unleashing the power of bio-stimulants for enhanced crop growth, productivity, and quality: a comprehensive review

Bio-stimulants are crop supplements that have the potential to foster robust growth, increase productivity, and enhance the quality of yields, even in the face of climate change and abiotic stresses. Recent studies have shed light on the benefits of plant bio-stimulants across horticultural and perennial crops. However, their utilization is limited to agricultural land, hydroponic systems, soilless media, and fertigation systems. Uncertainties exist regarding the safety, durability, and inconsistent results of bio-stimulants in the glasshouse and field applications. To expand the global bio-stimulant market, it is essential to implement innovative strategies to improve their safety and overall quality. In this context, we present a comprehensive review that addresses the key challenges in developing plant bio-stimulants, along with practical insights and constructive ideas for enhancing their value and quality. By adopting these suggested improvements, bio-stimulant production can be widely integrated into hydroponics and fertigation systems, improving growth and disease prevention, given their inherent bio-stimulation and biocontrol properties. This article critically examines the utilization of nanotechnology, encapsulation approaches, and novel assessment methods to enhance bio-stimulant efficacy, facilitate the integration of organic active components, improve application techniques, and achieve precise delivery. Introducing innovative bio-stimulant products is expected to be crucial in promoting sustainable, high-value, intensive crop production.