Bio stimulants in Ornamental Horticulture: A Review on Growth Promotion, Quality Enhancement, and Eco-friendly Practices

Abstract

The significant rise in demand for flowers in recent years due to population growth, improved living standards, and tourism, stimulate the demand for fresh floral arrangements. Conversely, to increase the yield and quality of flowers, the application of synthetic chemicals results in harmful effects on humans and on the environment. Hence, sustainable agricultural practices such as the application of biostimulants are gaining momentum and being adopted. Biostimulants are materials which comprises any substances or microorganisms that, when applied to plants or the rhizosphere, enhance natural processes to improve nutrient uptake, nutrient use efficiency, tolerance to abiotic stress, and crop quality. Biostimulants are highly beneficial for plants due to their application in various fields of horticulture, which are regarded as eco-friendly and cost-effective commodities. It provides benefits such as increased crop yield, quality and fostering growth and development, tolerance to biotic and abiotic stresses, enhancement of the storage life of flowers and foliage and phytoremediation of various elements. Biostimulants are environmentally safe inputs that lower cultivation costs, particularly in horticultural crops. Their use supports sustainable agriculture in relation with global initiatives promoting eco-friendly and resource-efficient farming practices.