Evaluation of yeast strains for biostimulant potential applications

Abstract

The intensification of global agricultural production in response to a rapidly growing population has led to extensive reliance on synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, which, despite their short-term agronomic efficacy, might caused significant long-term deterioration of soil health, disruption of native microbial communities, and accumulation of environmental pollutants. Microbial biostimulants, such as yeasts, serve as promising alternatives to chemical pesticides through mechanisms including competition, production of bioactive compounds, and induction of plant growth. According to recent data, yeasts are increasingly recognized as promising biostimulants due to their ability to enhance plant growth, improve nutrient uptake, and stimulate plant defense responses. The aim of the present study was to select yeast strains belonging to the genera Wickerhamomyces (Hansenula), Saccharomyces, and Lipomyces, and to evaluate the biochemical composition of their biomass as a potential source of bioactive compounds and derived preparations with practical applications in sustainable agriculture.