BIOSTIMULANTS FOR SUSTAINABLE FLOWER CROP PRODUCTION: A REVIEW

Abstract

Biostimulants are an emerging sustainable approach to increase the growth, productivity and quality of flower crops. They contain bioactive compounds that enhance plant metabolism, nutrient-use efficiency, and stress tolerance in plants. A wide range of biostimulant products is used in the commercial cultivation of flower crops, such as humic substances, seaweed extracts, protein hydrolases, botanical extracts, chitosan, and microbial biostimulants, which have shown significant positive effects on these crops. This review provides details about the composition and role of each biostimulant effect in vegetative and flowering characteristics. The application rate and effect on commercial flowers are given briefly. In addition to improving plant growth, some biostimulants, such as chitosan and botanical extracts, enhance tolerance to biotic and abiotic stresses. As a result, they contribute to improvements in both quantitative and qualitative traits of flowers, including yield, size, colour, and overall market value. Biostimulant also used to extend the vase life of cut flowers, which helps in reducing the usage of preservatives. Moreover, it induces rooting in cuttings of the flower crop, and that replaces the commercial rooting hormone. Thus, the biostimulants are an eco-friendly substitute to the high-cost chemical inputs used in the floriculture sector. The review aims to survey the various categories of biostimulants used for flower crops and their responses. The future of biostimulants in floriculture is very promising, making them an integral part of next-generation flower production.