Title : The future of plant biostimulants: Are we ready to move beyond the hype?
Abstract:
Over the past fifteen years, plant biostimulants have evolved from a niche area of agronomic research to one of the most dynamic sectors of agricultural innovation. The exponential increase in scientific publications, the rapid growth of the market, and the introduction of specific regulatory frameworks all attest to an unprecedented level of interest. However, behind this success lies a fundamental question: do we truly understand how biostimulants work? For a long time, research focused primarily on demonstrating positive effects on plant growth, productivity, and tolerance to abiotic stress. Today, however, the sector is facing a paradigm shift. Demonstrating that a biostimulant works is no longer sufficient: it is necessary to understand why, how, and under what conditions it is truly effective. This presentation offers a critical reflection on the evolution of the sector, highlighting the new perspectives offered by plant physiology, metabolomics, multi-omic approaches, and artificial intelligence, tools that are progressively transforming the way we interpret the plant-biostimulant interaction. We will also discuss the main limitations that still hinder the transfer of knowledge to agronomic practice, including a lack of standardization, difficulties in defining mechanisms of action, regulatory challenges, and the variability of responses observed in the field. Rather than asking whether biostimulants work, this presentation aims to address a more ambitious question: what science is needed for biostimulants to become truly predictable, reproducible, and indispensable tools for the agriculture of the future? Through a vision that integrates biological, technological, regulatory, and socio-economic aspects, the presentation will offer insights into the challenges and opportunities that will shape the next generation of biostimulants and their role in the transition toward more resilient and sustainable agricultural systems.
