A Nutrient‐Based Biostimulant Application Partially Alleviates Negative Effects of Glyphosate Drift on Wheat

ABSTRACT The extensive use of glyphosate for weed control in‐crop poses significant risks to non‐target crops, such as wheat, due to spray drift. Biostimulants are widely used to improve nutrient uptake, stimulate root growth, and enhance tolerance to abiotic stress. These growth effects of biostimulants may aid in alleviating glyphosate‐induced damage in non‐target crops. This study evaluated three biostimulants (Popul8, Nero and Bio‐Forge) applied as foliar treatment 3 days prior to simulated glyphosate drift. Glyphosate was applied to wheat ( Triticum aestivum L.) at Zadoks 13 growth stage at 2%, 5% and 10% v/v of the recommended rate (equivalent to 18, 45 and 90 g ae ha −1 respectively). None of biostimulants alleviate glyphosate‐induced growth inhibition under moderate glyphosate exposure (5% and 10% v/v of the recommended rate). However, Bio‐Forge significantly enhanced wheat tolerance to low glyphosate exposure (2% v/v of the recommended rate), and shoot and root dry weight were 20% and 35% higher, respectively, than in the glyphosate‐only treatment (G2). The protective effect of Bio‐Forge at low glyphosate exposure may be associated with modulation of ethylene‐associated pathways and enhanced root development rather than direct neutralisation of glyphosate activity. The precise physiological mechanisms underlying the protective effect of Bio‐Forge require further investigation.