Plant Biostimulants

The nature and physiological functions of plant biostimulants is diverse (du Jardin, 2015). They are known to have effects on at least one or a combination of functions such as enhanced nutritional efficiency, abiotic stress tolerance and/or crop quality traits. Biostimulants may consist of humic and fulvic acids, protein hydrolysates and other nitrogen-containing compounds, seaweed extracts and botanicals, chitosan and other biopolymers, inorganic compounds, and beneficial fungi and/or bacteria. They may be applied individually or in combination with other products sans any compatibility issues.

Below are examples of biostimulants used in coffee production and tailored for coffee in Hawaii.

For non-bearing, nursery coffee tree production
For fruiting coffee trees (English); (Spanish)
For stressed and stumped coffee trees (English); (Spanish)

Below are abstracts that provide examples of biostimulant product field trials in other coffee-producing countries.

Biostimulant related journal articles.

du Jardin, Patrick. (2015). Plant biostimulants: Definition, concept, main categories and regulation. Scientia Horticulturae, 196: 3-14. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scienta.2015.09.021

Opinions or recommendations are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of their employers or funding agencies. Mention of a trademark or proprietary name does not constitute an endorsement, guarantee, or warranty by the University of Hawai‘i Cooperative Extension Service, Hawai‘i Department of Agriculture, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service or its employees and does not imply recommendation to the exclusion of other suitable products.