biostimulants

Definition

Substances or microorganisms applied to plants or soil to enhance nutrient uptake, stress tolerance, or general growth characteristics, distinct from those primarily used as fertilizers or pest control agents.

Etymology

The word is a hybrid formation combining the Greek 'bios' (life) with the Latin 'stimulantem' (to goad or rouse), used to describe agents that stimulate biological life processes.

In the news

The article uses this term to distinguish a specific category of agricultural biological products that improve plant performance, noting that they often face complex, varying regulatory pathways compared to pesticides or fertilizers.

Biologicals: Why the Same Product Can Fall Into Different Categories Across Markets

Agrolatam

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