Next-Generation Biostimulants for Drought-Resilient Cropping Systems

Plant science research has made substantial progress in elucidating the molecular, physiological, and ecological mechanisams by which crops respond to increasing drought pressure. However, significant challenges persist in translating these discoveries into resilient, reliable, and scalable agricultural systems. In recent years, the spotlight has shifted toward biostimulants, which can promote plant growth and therewith stabilize yield under drought. Emerging evidence suggests a diverse and highly potent group of “next-generation” biostimulants, including plant-based extracts, microbial cell-free supernatants, or purified metabolites, and even combinations of signal molecules and living organisms that potentiate targeted effects. Unlike empirical or extract-based products, they rely on molecular and omics-level insights, data-driven discovery, and precision formulation and delivery strategies to achieve robust targeted effects, particularly under abiotic stress such as drought. Biostimulants can modulate plant physiology, root system architecture, nutrient use efficiency, and stress-responsive signaling pathways. Nevertheless, these products have received limited research attention. This knowledge gap is particularly pressing given the urgent need for reliable strategies tailored to different crops and environmental conditions. This Research Topic aims to bring together innovative, high-quality research focused on biostimulant-based strategies to enhance drought resilience in crops, with a particular emphasis on next-generation biostimulants. Our objective is to integrate both mechanistic insights and practical applications, bridging fundamental science and real-world solutions. We are especially interested in studies that connect advanced molecular, physiological, and ecological understanding with the deployment of next-generation biostimulants in breeding programs, agronomic management, or large-scale cropping systems. This Research Topic encompasses the full range of crop species and agricultural systems, unless tied to novel biostimulant products. Contributions are encouraged that address, but are not limited to, the following themes: - Modes of action and plant responses to microbial metabolites, plant extracts, and non-living biostimulant formulations under drought stress. - Comparative effectiveness of next-generation biostimulants versus conventional inoculants in enhancing drought resilience. - Genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and systems biology approaches to deciphering plant–biostimulants–environment interactions. - Field trials, translational research, and integration of biostimulant innovations into cropping system management (Interaction of Genotype x Environment x Management). We will not cover: - General drought physiology without a biostimulant intervention- Broad biostimulant surveys not linked to drought resilience or cropping-system validation- Purely biocontrol or biotic-stress approaches Appendix: We welcome original research articles, reviews, mini-reviews, methods, perspectives, and field study reports. Topic editors: Grace Armijo-Godoy, Gwendolin Wehner, Mariela I Monteoliva Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/81904/next-generation-biostimulants-for-drought-resilient-cropping-systems