What is the difference between biostimulants and biocontrol?

Plants face two types of stress: biotic and abiotic. What does this mean? It’s simple. This refers to the various attacks plants experience from living organisms in the case of biotic stress, and environmental factors in the case of abiotic stress.

To prevent these stresses, several solutions are possible. Specifically, we are referring to biostimulants and biocontrol agents, which are distinct products that it is important to differentiate in agriculture.

What is a biocontrol product?

First, we provide some clarification regarding the definition of biocontrol to ensure we have all the necessary information to distinguish this solution from biostimulants.

In short, biocontrol products aim to replace synthetic chemicals and mitigate their harmful environmental impacts. Their primary mission is to combat biotic stress in plants, caused by bio-aggressors such as insects, diseases, parasitic plants, etc.

In other words, biocontrol aims to protect plants using natural mechanisms. There are four main categories of biocontrol agents:

Microorganisms: fungi, bacteria, yeasts, and viruses used to combat pests and other diseases.

Macro-organisms: invertebrates designed to protect crops.

Chemical mediators: pheromones used to monitor the flights of insect pests.

Natural substances: these can originate from plants, animals, or minerals.

Biocontrol products are categorized as plant protection products and must comply with specific standards and regulations to be used. This is crucial because these products are used in all types of agriculture, and their wide usage must be governed by certain laws.

What differentiates a biocontrol product from a biostimulant?

It is important to differentiate biocontrol products from biostimulants, as they are often confused.

Regulatory differences

When discussing the differences between biostimulants and biocontrol agents, we must highlight the legal aspects, particularly within the French and European context.

For several years in France, biostimulants were regulated by the NFU 42-001 standard, which applied to the use of fertilizers due to the nutrients they contain. Today, some solutions are regulated under Natural Preparations of Little Concern (PNPP), which are mainly composed of basic and natural substances used as biostimulants. In Europe, they are classified as Fertilizing Materials and Crop Supports (MFSC), to avoid confusion with biocontrol agents.

In France, biocontrol has been regulated since 2014 under articles L.253-5 and L.253-7 of the Rural and Maritime Fishing Code. National data, known as the Phytosanitary Treatment Frequency Indicator (FTI), tracks the use of biocontrol agents in the country. At the European Union level, current regulations do not yet distinguish between biocontrol and conventional methods, but changes are anticipated.

Differences in applications

While biocontrol aims to combat biotic stress in plants, biostimulants are used to fight abiotic stress, which are stresses caused by non-living factors. This includes various weather conditions such as frost, extreme heat, strong winds, sunlight, droughts, etc.

The use of biostimulants stimulates natural processes, increasing the plants’ tolerance to the mentioned abiotic stresses. Additionally, biostimulants improve the absorption and utilization of nutrients, and increase crop yield.

Why use biostimulants?

Although they are often confused with biocontrol agents, biostimulants have a distinct purpose. We identify five primary areas of action, including:

The leaf parts, where biostimulants promote greater growth, enhance photosynthesis, increase stress tolerance, and ensure better utilization of water, carbon, and nutrients.

Flowers, by triggering faster budding and flowering.

Soil, through improving physicochemical properties, fostering microorganism development, and providing better water and nutrient retention.

Fruits, by enhancing their quality and increasing their sizes.

Roots, by promoting deep rooting of plants.

For many years, fertilizers, manures, and other plant protection products have been used to increase and safeguard crops. However, recent ecological awareness has led researchers to discover natural alternatives to plant protection products and fertilizers, which serve as more environmentally friendly complementary solutions. One such alternative that quickly stands out is biostimulants, offering notable advantages. These ensure higher yield and better quality production.

When discussing the use of biostimulants, it’s relevant to consider whether they can fully replace plant protection products like biocontrol agents. The answer is no. However, biostimulants play a supporting role by complementing the action of these products, provided the existing regulations concerning their use are respected.

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What is the difference between biostimulants and biocontrol?