BOOSTER field trials put promising maize biostimulants to the test under drought

Drought is one of the most pressing challenges facing European and global agriculture, with increasing pressure on farmers to maintain yields under more frequent and severe water stress. Within the BOOSTER project, researchers are working to develop and validate innovative solutions that can strengthen crop resilience and support more sustainable maize production​.

Following earlier screening activities carried out within the project, four promising BOOSTER biostimulants have now been selected for field validation. These include two microbial biostimulants and one seaweed-based product applied as seed coatings, together with one seaweed biostimulant applied through foliar spray. The trials are taking place in Southern France, Spain and Hungary, allowing the products to be tested across different soils, climates and growing conditions.

To evaluate their performance under drought-relevant conditions, the field trials include both fully irrigated plots and plots receiving limited irrigation. This approach will allow researchers to directly compare how treated and untreated maize plants perform when water availability is reduced, providing valuable insight into the potential of these biostimulant solutions to support crops during dry periods.

Throughout the growing season, the maize plants will be closely monitored using a combination of field observations and advanced data collection tools. Researchers will assess key indicators such as crop emergence, visible stress symptoms, flowering time and final yield. In addition, drone technology will be used to collect detailed information on plant height, crop cover and vegetation health, helping the project team build a clearer picture of how the different treatments affect crop development under contrasting water conditions.

The field trials mark an important step in the BOOSTER project’s efforts to move from promising laboratory and screening results towards real agricultural conditions. By testing the selected biostimulants in open-field environments, the project aims to identify solutions that can contribute to more resilient maize production systems and support farmers in adapting to the realities of climate change.

First results from the trials are expected by the end of 2026. Stay tuned for further updates as the BOOSTER partners continue to monitor the crops and evaluate the performance of these innovative biostimulant solutions under drought stress.