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limited scientific research, negatively impacting the confidence
in these products. However, we are optimistic. The situation is
changing. The industry is becoming highly specialized, basing
its claims in scientific evidence and dispelling old myths, like the
old belief that “two good products make a great one”.
Scientific research has proven that each biostimulant
category unleashes a specific plant response, triggering
concrete genes or metabolic routes. In most cases, routes
and modes of action strongly vary from one biostimulant to
another, and thus, unfortunately makes biostimulant mixing a
complex science. As a result, the development of highly efficient
biostimulants cannot be based in just mixing raw materials
and ingredients. Without a comprehensive understanding
of the specific plant responses that are triggered in plants,
biostimulants may not achieve the expected results, nor provide
synergistic effects.
Therefore, innovation in biostimulation clearly goes far
beyond “mixing ingredients”. It requires gaining in-depth
knowledge in the mechanisms at a molecular and genetic
expression level, while paying special attention to the analysis of
gene expression among other parameters. But, understanding
the specific plant responses that are triggered in plants is not
an easy task either. If we consider the variety of biostimulant
categories, along with the available ingredients, the mixing
possibilities are almost infinite. This makes testing a massive
undertaking, and almost an impossible job. Thus, developing an
appropriate methodology for product screening and assessment
is essential.
At Tradecorp, we have diligently worked on these topics for
the past years, both trying to understand the mechanisms that
are triggered in plants and developing a successful methodology
for biostimulant screening and assessing. The next step is
to develop specific biostimulant solutions to achieve a more
sophisticated performance. However, to select the right
biostimulant at the right moment is as determinant as the quality
of the product itself. In this sense, Tradecorp proposes a full
management strategy throughout the all stress phases (priming,
curative and recovery) as a global stress management strategy.
Annual Review 2019 71