Fruit production is increasingly affected by the consequences of climate change and human activities
Use of products such as biostimulants may be a key tool for improving yields by reducing the negative effects of abiotic and biotic stresses. The potential of biostimulants has been recognized in fruit growing; however, due to the complexity of fruit production systems and the specificity of fruit species, further research is needed.
Basic Project Information
Application of Biostimulants in the Improvement of Fruit Production (bioFru)
48 months (01 October 2025 – 30 September 2029)
EUR 80,000.00
Source 581 – Recovery and Resilience Mechanism under the Programme Funding of Public Higher Education Institutions and Public Scientific Institutes in the Republic of Croatia
This project aims to evaluate the effectiveness of commercially available biostimulants in fruit tree cultivation. Through four work packages, the project will investigate the effects of different biostimulants (based on amino acids, seaweed extracts, protein hydrolysates, and silicon) on the growth and development of apple rootstocks, as well as on the fruit quality of cherry and strawberry under the agroecological conditions of central Croatia.
The first work package will examine the impact of biostimulants application on morphological and physiological changes in apple rootstocks M9 and MM106 and in nursery plants after grafting. The second work package will include a detailed analysis of pomological and physicochemical fruit traits of two cherry cultivars and strawberry cultivars (short-day and day-neutral types) following the application of specific biostimulants. The third work package will focus on disseminating the results through scientific publications and conferences. The fourth work package will ensure the efficient and reliable implementation of project activities.
This research aims to provide scientifically based evidence on the optimal use of biostimulants in fruit production, considering species- and cultivar-specific requirements as well as agroecological conditions. In doing so, it will contribute to the development of a more sustainable, resilient, and competitive fruit sector in the Republic of Croatia and the European Union.
Project Objectives
This project explores how commercial biostimulants can positively influence the growth, development, and quality of fruit trees. The focus is on two key areas:
1 Nursery Production
- Monitoring the growth and development of apple rootstocks (M9 and MM106)
- Observing the development of one-year-old seedlings
2 Commercial Orchards
- Assessing the quality of cherry and strawberry fruits
The objective of this research is a systematic analysis of the mechanisms of biostimulant action and an evaluation of their impact on the physiological development of fruit trees, with a particular emphasis on yield optimization and the organoleptic properties of the fruit.
Funded by the European Union – NextGenerationEU. The views and opinions expressed are those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect the official views of the European Union or the European Commission. Neither the European Union nor the European Commission can be held responsible for them.