Enhancing organic fruit production: insights into biostimulant applications for sustainable growth, quality, and resilience in diverse agroecological settings

This article explores the application of biostimulants in organic fruit production, focusing on apples, olives, citrus fruits, and stone fruits. Biostimulants, diverse substances comprising organic and inorganic compounds and microorganisms, play a crucial role in enhancing soil fertility, crop resilience, and pest control in sustainable organic farming. The article highlights the impact of various biostimulants on the growth, yield, and quality of apples. Noteworthy findings include the influence of marine macroalgae on leaf area, chlorophyll content, and fruit coloration. Additionally, biostimulants containing zinc and silicon prove to be effective in reducing physiological disorders during storage. For olives, the positive effects of biostimulants such as amino acids and organic acids on biochemical properties are discussed. Algal extracts and mycorrhizal fungi are explored for their role in enhancing olive resistance to stress conditions and controlling diseases like Verticillium wilt. In citrus fruits, the application of biostimulants mitigates the negative impacts of drought and soil salinity. Algal extracts, chitosan, and seaweed extracts demonstrate positive effects on vegetative growth, fruit set, and physiological activities in citrus plants. Stone fruit production, including peaches and cherries, benefits from biostimulants like humic and fulvic acids, beneficial bacterial strains, and silicon. These biostimulants improve the efficiency of nutrient utilization, increase resistance to diseases, and enhance fruit quality. In conclusion, the review underscores the potential of biostimulants to improve production efficiency, product quality, and plant resistance to abiotic stresses in organic fruit cultivation. However, further research on specific crops, varieties, and optimal application periods is emphasized to maximize biostimulant benefits in diverse agroecological conditions.