Bibliometric and systematic review of biostimulant research under drought stress

• Advanced scientometric review of 499 studies. • Charts biostimulant research trends for drought tolerance. • Identifies key mechanisms: antioxidants and phytohormones. • Highlights microbial biostimulants as a key emerging topic. • Pinpoints critical research gaps for future studies. Drought stress, a critical environmental factor impacting global crop productivity, is exacerbated by the challenges of climate change. Biostimulants (BS), substances that enhance plant resilience to abiotic stress without directly providing nutrients, have emerged as a promising solution for mitigating drought induced damage. However, the increasing volume and diversity of research in this area necessitate a systematic approach to evaluate its development. This advanced bibliometric and systematic review analyzes 499 publications from the Web of Science Core Collection published between 2015 and 2024. The review focuses on the role of BS in drought stress management and identifies key research trends, influential authors, major journals. Emerging topics include phytohormonal regulation, antioxidant defense, and microbial interactions. The results reveal a substantial increase in research output, reflecting a growing global interest in BS as an eco-friendly alternative to conventional fertilizers. The review highlights several primary mechanisms by which BS enhance drought tolerance., These mechanisms include the modulation of plant stress response pathways and antioxidant systems. Additionally, microbial-based BS play a role in improving soil health and nutrient uptake. Despite notable progress, several gaps remain. These include the need for standardized evaluation methods and deeper molecular insights into BS action. This review offers a comprehensive overview of the field and provides insights for future research directions. It emphasizes the potential of BS to contribute to a more holistic approach to sustainable agriculture under climate change.