journal article·2026-01-04Open access

Plant-Derived Biostimulants and Liposomal Formulations in Sustainable Crop Protection and Stress Tolerance

Barbara Kutasy-Takács, József Péter Pallos, Márta Kiniczky, Géza Hegedűs, Eszter Virág

Applied Sciences· Volume 16· Issue 1

Abstract

Plant-derived biostimulants represent an innovative approach to enhancing crop productivity, resilience, and quality within sustainable agricultural systems by improving nutrient uptake, stress tolerance, and plant defense mechanisms while reducing reliance on synthetic inputs. However, their effectiveness is often limited by poor stability and low bioavailability. Recent advances in nanotechnology, particularly liposomal formulations, address these limitations by enhancing the stability, solubility, and delivery efficiency of bioactive plant compounds. Liposomes facilitate the penetration and systemic transport of active ingredients within plant tissues and enable controlled release at the target site, thereby increasing biostimulant efficacy. This review summarizes current knowledge on plant-derived biostimulants, their classification, nano-formulation, molecular mechanisms, and roles in mitigating abiotic and biotic stress. Special emphasis is placed on liposome-based formulations, including supercritical CO2 extracts and nano-liposomal delivery systems, with examples such as garlic extract and the EliceVakcina® complex. Finally, the potential of liposomal technologies in integrated crop protection and sustainable agriculture is discussed.
Source: crossref · Quality: baseline

Research context

OpenAlex topics: Plant Growth Enhancement Techniques · Polymer-Based Agricultural Enhancements · Allelopathy and phytotoxic interactions

SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.

Affiliations

Department of Plant Physiology and Plant Ecology, Georgikon Campus, Institute of Agronomy, Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Festetics Str. 7, 8360 Keszthely, Hungary

Research Institute for Medicinal Plants and Herbs Ltd., Lupaszigeti Str. 4, 2011 Budakalász, Hungary

Department of Information Technology and Its Applications, Faculty of Information Technology, University of Pannonia, 8900 Zalaegerszeg, Hungary

Department of Planetary Health, One Health Institute, Faculty of Health Science, University of Debrecen, Egyetem Sq. 1, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary

Funding

University of Debrecen Program for Scientific Publication

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