Biological Products to Mitigate Abiotic Stress in Corn and Soybeans.

Abstract Research has suggested that plant growth regulators and biostimulants aid plants in mitigating various abiotic stresses. Plants respond by increasing their photosynthetic rate, antioxidant production, and helping to preserve cellular membranes to alleviate stress. Numerous biological products on the market have recently been promoted as a way to improve plant health during periods of abiotic stress. Field trials have resulted in a lack of product efficacy partially due to minimal environment stress. This research project evaluates the efficacy of various plant growth regulators and biostimulants after stress has been induced on plants via herbicides. The research is conducted to provide scientific evidence into both the efficacy of these biological products as well as the ability to improve plant health and mitigate stress after periods of abiotic stress. Plant growth regulators and biostimulants may reduce the risk of uncontrollable environmental conditions such as drought or excess moisture that occur during the growing season and drastically reduce yield potential. Yield potential and producer profitability could be significantly improved with the use of stress mitigating products. This research details the efficacy of biostimulants and plant growth regulators in mitigating plant abiotic stress and improving yield potential.