Projects
The effects of biostimulants on the growth and physiological parameters of selected species of energy crops Hasselt University
The effects of herbicides and plant biostimulants on sunflower (Helianthus annuus) – role of the plant microbiome Hasselt University
Discovery and mode of action of novel plant biostimulants derived from agricultural waste streams. Ghent University
The demand towards circular economy for sustainable agriculture requires a rapid growth market of plant biostimulants. We aim to discover add-valued bioactive reagents that benefit plants derived from agricultural waste streams including by-products of sunflower and chicory. The mechanism of action and efficiency optimization of novel biostimulants from sunflower will be demonstrated for further field application.
Development of biostimulants and biocontrol agents from the waste streams of dry peas and fibre flax Ghent University
The project wants to develop biostimulants and/or biological crop protection agents from waste streams of the processing of dry peas and fibre flax. To this end, extracts will be made from the waste streams that will be screened at both laboratory and field level. Extracts with a high biological activity will serve as a basis for IP development and will be further developed into commercial products in follow-up projects.
Exploring novel biostimulants from marine organisms and their modus operandi to improve growth and yield of rice Ghent University
The identification of novel, natural plant growth regulators fits well with the concept of sustainable agriculture. Therefore, we will conduct a compound screen on a collection of natural marine extracts and investigate how they enhance plant growth, which is currently unexplored. Next to that, we will unravel the structure of the molecule and try to commercialize the product. These experiments will be carried out in rice as a model crop. ...