Improving plant biostimulants based on natural products and beneficial microorganisms

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Plant biostimulants are defined as either substances of biological origin or living microorganisms or both whose functions, when applied to plants or soils, stimulate biological processes that improve the mobilization and uptake of macro- and micro-nutrients; alleviate abiotic stress; and protect plants against pathogen and pest attacks. BioSun and Lumiera are two emerging businesses that are actively involved in the development of natural-derived products to manufacture biostimulants. Biosun develops and markets natural products such as biopesticides and biostimulants. Lumiera is involved in the development and commercialization of natural health products. This industry-driven project was designed to solve BioSun and Lumeria issues to enter into biostimulant market. The objectives of this project are: to optimize the Plantiful production process; to develop an improved second generation of CELEXT07 biocontrol; and to validate the agronomic performance of improved products in field trials with appropriate controls.The outcomes of this applied research project are to optimize the production process of Plantiful and to develop a second generation of CELEXT07. With these two products, we expect to increase yield of field crops and vegetables by at least 20%. As an example, increasing tomatoes yield by 20% would increase the value of Canadian farmer by $20 000 per hectare. We also expect to reduce crop loss by controlling pathogen attacks such those of Botrytis cineria and powdery mildew.This project will immediately benefit BioSun and Lumiera from commercialization of improved products, and crop producers from improved farm profitability. In high-input agrosystems, biostimulants have proven their effectiveness, allowing a reduction in chemical input use. This project will contribute to securing Canadian farm profitability into the future. It will further the reputation of Canada's agri-food industry as a world leader in innovation and environmental stewardship. Moreover, this project will make substantial contributions to Canada's overall efforts to improve food security in the face of a changing climate and growing population.