Introduction
A recent study published in the Journal of Plant Growth Regulation highlights the combined role of biostimulants and irrigation management in improving the growth and yield of Phaseolus vulgaris (common bean). Conducted by researchers from São Paulo State University, the study addresses how sustainable agronomic practices can mitigate drought stress — a growing concern under climate change.
Study Overview
The research team investigated how applying the biostimulant Stimulate®—containing kinetin, gibberellic acid, and indole-3-butyric acid—interacts with varying irrigation depths to affect common bean physiology, productivity, and water use efficiency. The two-year field experiment tested treatments combining biostimulant presence or absence with five irrigation regimes, ranging from 63% to 133% of crop evapotranspiration.
Key Findings
- Biostimulant Effects: Early-stage growth improved significantly under favorable water conditions, showing an 11% increase in shoot mass during the vegetative phase.
- Irrigation Impact: Increasing irrigation depth enhanced shoot biomass, leaf area, and final yield, with the highest productivity achieved near full crop water replacement levels.
- Statistical Analysis: Using cluster and principal component analysis (PCA), researchers identified shoot mass and leaf area as the most reliable indicators of vegetative growth response.
- Water Productivity: While the biostimulant alone did not mitigate drought stress, efficient irrigation scheduling improved water productivity and yield sustainability.
Conclusion
The study concludes that integrated water and biostimulant management is crucial for optimizing common bean performance. While biostimulants enhanced early growth, water supply remained the dominant factor influencing yield. Sustainable irrigation strategies can thus reduce water use without compromising productivity—key to achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for food security.
Reference
dos Reis, M. A. M., Coelho, A. P., & Palaretti, L. F. (2025). Biostimulant and Water Management in Common Bean: Plant Growth and Crop Yield. Journal of Plant Growth Regulation. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00344-025-11894-2
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