Review report on the role of bioproducts, biopreparations, biostimulants and microbial inoculants in organic production of fruit

The demand for ecologically cultivated fruits is growing each year, but the yields in organic farming are still lower than the yields in conventional farming. Moreover plant pathogens are a serious threat in organic fruit production and the assortment of conventional pesticides is limited in organic farming. The European Commission has established regulations that state which types of bioproducts can be used in organic farming. Appropriately chosen biopreparations might be a solution to this problem. Biopreparations are products used to inhibit the growth of pathogenic fungi or bacteria, stimulate plants growth and enhance plant nutrient uptake. They can be composed of plant growth promoting bacteria and fungi, plant extracts or animals-derived compounds. The second category of bioproducts useful for enhancing yield and nutrient uptake are biostimulants. They can be composed of microorganisms, protein hydrolysates, seaweed extracts and other substances. Bacteria, fungi and yeasts are used in biocontrol of plant pathogens and in enhancing plants growth by producing hormone-like substances and reducing symptoms of environmental stress caused by weather or soil factors such as drought or low nutrient availability.