The nursery production of high−quality planting material intended for afforestation and forest regeneration involves the need to protect seedlings from stress factors and to build their natural resistance. Considering the withdrawal of many active substances from the market and the search for alternative and more environmentally friendly solutions, increasing attention is being paid to the use of biostimulants in forest nurseries. These products can enhance seedling growth, development, and natural resilience. They are characterized by a broad spectrum of activity and a wide variety of mechanisms and substances on which they are based. The use of biostimulants in forest nursery production represents a modern and sustainable approach to the cultivation of forest seedlings. It supports the production of high−quality planting material while reducing the need for traditional agrochemicals. The importance of biostimulants is likely to grow further with the ongoing development of environmentally friendly practices and the search for effective strategies to adapt to changing climatic conditions.

Ageev, A.A., Saltsevich, Yu.V., Buryak, L.V., 2023. Integrated application of biostimulants in cultivation of Siberian spruce seedlings (Picea obovata L). Russian Forestry Journal, 2: 73-87. DOI: https://doi.org/10.37482/0536-1036-2023-2-73-87.
Agropages, 2014. Global biostimulants market to reach $2.52 bn by 2019. Available from: https://news.agropages.com/News/NewsDetail---13737.htm [accessed: 14.07.2025].
Albrecht, U., 2019. Plant biostimulants: Definition and overview of categories and effects. The Horticultural Sciences Department, UF/IFAS Extension HS1330. Available from: https://swfrec.ifas.ufl.edu/docs/pdf/plant-physiology/2019-05-Albrecht-EDIS-H1330.pdf [accessed: 13.07.2025].
Andreeva, E.M., Stetsenko, S.K., Terekhov, G.G., Khurshkainen, T.V., Kutchin, A.V., 2023. Possibility the use biopreparations from coniferous raw materials in artificial reforestation of Scots pine. Proceedings of Universities. Applied Chemistry and Biotechnology, 13 (1): 99-106. DOI: https://doi.org/10.21285/2227-2925-2023-13-1-99-106.
Arion, I.D., Truts, A.M., Rebrean, F.A., Dan, C., Boscaiu, M., Ioras, F., Morar, I.M., 2024. Biostimulatory treatments and their interaction on the seed germination of Quercus robur L. Nova Geodesia, 4 (4): 217. DOI: https://doi.org/10.55779/ng44217.
Barnes, S., Percival, G.C., 2006. Influence of biostimulants and water-retaining polymer root dips on survival and growth of newly transplanted bare-rooted silver birch and rowan. Journal of Environmental Horticulture, 24 (3): 173-179. DOI: https://doi.org/10.24266/0738-2898-24.3.173.
Będkowski, M., Buraczyk, W., 2020. Wpływ nawozów i fungicydów na kiełkowanie nasion oraz początkową fazę rozwoju siewek olszy czarnej Alnus glutinosa (Gaertn.) [The impact of fertilisers and fungicides on seed germination and the initial phase of seedling growth in black alder Alnus glutinosa (Gaertn.)]. Leśne Prace Badawcze, 81 (3): 107-114. DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/frp-2020-0012.
Blagoveshchensky, A.V., 1956. Biogenic stimulants and biochemical nature of their action. Bulletin Main Botanical Garden, 25: 79-86.
Bryndina, L., Korchagina, A., 2021. Utilization of wastewater pollution in plant growth biostimulants. IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science, 875: 012003. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1088/1755-1315/875/1/012003.
Bulgari, R., Franzoni, G., Ferrante, A., 2019. Biostimulants application in horticultural crops under abiotic stress conditions. Agronomy, 9 (6): 306. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy9060306.
Buraczyk, W., Żybura, H., Ostaszewska, E., Studnicki, M., Aleksandrowicz-Trzcińska, M., 2020. Zastosowanie biostymulatorów w hodowli i ochronie sadzonek dębu szypułkowego (Quercus robur L.) w gruntowej szkółce leśnej. [Application of biostimulators in the growth and protection of pedunculate oak (Quercus robur L.) seedlings in bare-root nursery]. Sylwan, 164 (4): 292-299. DOI: https://doi.org/10.26202/sylwan.2020028.
Comin, S., Brocca, G., Valsecchi, N., Fumagalli, S., Vigevani, I., Corsini, D., Ferrini, F., Ravanelli, G., Fini, A., 2025. Growth, physiology, and root development in seedlings of woody species treated with a seaweed extract. Arboriculture and Urban Forestry, 51 (1): 46-64. DOI: https://doi.org/10.48044/jauf.2024.013.
Danchenko, M.A., Kabanov, A.N., Zenkova, Z.N., Speranskii, N.I., Zholokhov, Y.A., Reutova, N.A., 2024. Application of biostimulants for the cultivation of Scots pine seedlings. Journal of Agriculture and Environment, 4 (44): DOI: https://doi.org/10.23649/JAE.2024.44.2.
du Jardin, P., 2015. Plant biostimulants: Definition, concept, main categories and regulation. Scientia Horticulturae, 196: 3-14. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scienta.2015.09.021.
EBIC, 2025. European Biostimulants Industry Council. Available from: https://biostimulants.eu/ [accessed: 13.07.2025].
Eghlima, G., Chegini, K.G., Farzaneh, M., Aghamir, M., 2024. Effect of common horsetail extract on growth characteristics, essential oil yield and chemical compositions of basil (Ocimum basilicum L.). Scientific Report, 14: 11082. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-61830-9.
Goatley, J., Schmidt, R., 1991. Biostimulator enhancement of Kentucky bluegrass sod. HortScience, 26 (3): 254-255. DOI: https://www.doi.org/10.21273/HORTSCI.26.3.254.
Kaitwade N., 2023. Biostimulants market outlook (2023 to 2033). Available from: https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/biostimulants-market [accessed: 14.07.2025].
Khurshkaynen, T.V., Stetsenko, S.K., Andreeva, E.M., Shkurikhin, A.O., Terekhov, G.G., Kuchin, A.V., 2024. The stimulating properties of spruce wood greenery extract obtained in accordance with the principles of ‘Green Technology’. Chemistry of Plant Raw Material, 2: 420-428. DOI: https://doi.org/10.14258/jcprm.20240212689.
Kocira, A., 2019. Biostymulatory jako element nowoczesnego rolnictwa. Konferencja naukowa nt. Gospodarka nawozowa i wyzwania wynikające z „Programu azotanowego” w Polsce. 13 May 2019, Chełm, pp. 7-14.
Kozak, M., Wondołowska-Grabowska, A., Serafin-Andrzejewska, M., Gniadzik-Zasańska, M., 2016. Biosty-mulatory – wczoraj, dziś i jutro. Rolnictwo XXI wieku – problemy i wyzwania 2016. Wrocław: Idea Knowledge Future, pp. 114-122.
Maričić, B., Radman, S., Romić, M., Perković, J., Major, N., Urlić, B., Palčić, I., Ban, D., Zorić, Z., Ban, S.G., 2021. Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica L.) as an aqueous plant-based extract fertilizer in green bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) sustainable agriculture. Sustainability, 13: 4042. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/su13074042.
May, P., 2017. Development of global markets for biostimulants. Shanghai Australia 6th China International Forum on Development of Biocontrol Technology. Available from: http://www.cac-conference.com/Uploads/Editor/2017-03-07/58be494b2dc6c.pdf [accessed: 14.07.2025].
MRiRW, 2025. Wykaz nawozów i środków wspomagających uprawę roślin. Ministerstwo Rolnictwa i Rozwoju Wsi. Available from: https://www.gov.pl/web/rolnictwo/wykaz-nawozow-i-srodkow-wspomagajacych-uprawe-roslin [accessed: 13.07.2025].
Nazarov, A., Chetverikov, S., Timergalin, M., Ivanov, R., Ryazanova, N., Shigapov, Z., Tuktarova, I., Urazgildin, R., Kudoyarova, G., 2024. Improving tree seedling quality using humates combined with bacteria to address decarbonization challenges through forest restoration. Plants, 13:1452. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13111452.
North Sea Farm Foundation, 2018. Identification of the seaweed biostimulant market (phase1). Available from: https://www.noordzeeboerderij.nl/public/documents/Bio4safe_WP1_D111_Seaweed-Biostimulants-Market-Study_2018.pdf [accessed: 14.07.2025].
Ólafsdóttir, K., 2024. Towards sustainable land reclamation: utilization of plant growth-promoting bacteria to enhance birch growth in eroded Icelandic soil. Master thesis, Faculty of Natural Resource Sciences School of Health, Business and Natural Sciences University of Akureyri. Available from: https://skemman.is/bitstream/1946/48678/1/Kolfinna-Towards%20Sustainable%20Land%20Reclamation.pdf [accessed: 14.07.2025].
Oszako, T., Nowaszewski, M.M., Szulc, W., Rutkowska, B., Nowakowska, J.A., 2018. Fosforyny jako czynnik ograniczający zamieranie drobnych korzeni w drzewostanach dębowych Płyty Krotoszyńskiej. [Phosphites as factor limiting the fine root damage in oak stands from Krotoszyn Plateau]. Sylwan, 162 (10): 819-827. DOI: https://doi.org/10.26202/sylwan.2018084.
Oszako, T., Żółciak, A., Tulik, M., Tkaczyk, M., Stocki, M., Nowakowska, J.A., 2019. Wplyw Bacillus subtilis i Trichoderma asperellum na rozwój sadzonek brzóz zainfekowanych patogenem drobnych korzeni Phytophthora plurivora. [Influence of Bacillus subtilis and Trichoderma asperellum on the developmentof birch seedlings infected with fine root pathogen Phytophthora plurivora]. Sylwan, 163 (12): 1006-1015. DOI: https://doi.org/10.26202/sylwan.2023048.
Precedence Research, 2025. Biostimulants market size, share, and trends 2024 to 2034. Available from: https://www.precedenceresearch.com/biostimulants-market [accessed: 14.07.2025].
Puértolas, J., Villar-Salvador, P., Andivia, E., Ahuja, I., Cocozza, C., Cvjetkoviă, B., Devetakoviă, J., Diez, J.J., Fl¸istad, I.S., Ganatsas, P., Mariotti, B., Tsakaldimi, M., Vilagrosa, A., Witzell, J., Ivetiă, V., 2024. Die-hard seedlings. A global meta-analysis on the factors determining the effectiveness of drought hardening on growth and survival of forest plantations. Forest Ecology and Management, 572: 122300. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foreco.2024.122300.
Puglia, D., Pezzolla, D., Gigliotti, G., Torre, L., Bartucca, M.L., Del Buono, D., 2021. The opportunity of valorizing agricultural waste, through its conversion into biostimulants, biofertilizers, and biopolymers. Sustainability, 13 (5): 2710. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/su13052710.
Rady, M.M., Abdelfattah, M.A., Desoky, E.M., Azzam, C.R., Abdel Latef, A.A., Mahmoud, A.E.M., Mohamed, I.A.A., 2025. A novel group of bio-stimulators: their attenuation of abiotic stress impacts in crop plants. Journal of Plant Nutrition, 48 (13): 2201-2216. DOI:10.1080/01904167.2025.2471895.
Rajawat, C., 2023. Biostimulant market trends, size, analysis and forecast 2022-2030. Available from: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/biostimulant-market-trends-size-analysis-forecast-chhavi-rajawat-wvy0f [acessed: 14.07.2025].
Russo, R.O., Berlyn, G.P., 1991. The use of organic biostimulants to help low-input sustainable agriculture. Journal of Sustainable Agriculture, 1:19-42 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1300/J064v01n02_04.
Saltsevich, Y., Ageev, A., Buryak, L., Achikolova, I., 2021. Use of organic biostimulant for growing Siberian spruce seedlings. IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science, 875: 012084. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1088/1755-1315/875/1/012084.
Slávik, M., 2005. Production of Norway spruce (Picea abies [L.] Karst.) seedlings on substrate mixes using growth stimulants. Journal of Forest Science, 51:15-23. DOI: https://doi.org/10.17221/4540-JFS.
Sołtys, A., Studnicki, M., Zawadzki, G., Aleksandrowicz-Trzcińska, M., 2020. The effects of salicylic acid, oxalic acid and chitosan on damping-off control and growth in Scots pine in a forest nursery. iForest – Biogeosciences and Forestry, 13 (5): 441-446. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3832/ifor3244-013.
Stetsenko, S., Andreeva, E., Hurshkainen, T., Terekhov, G., Kuchin, A., 2022. Comparison of biostimulants action on seedlings of the main forest-forming species in the Middle Urals. AIP Conference Proceedings 2390: 030093. 18-21 November 2020. Ekaterinburg, Russia. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1063/5.0069101 http://dx.doi.org/10.1063/5.0069101.
Šamalík, J., 2009. SUNAGREEN v obilninách – výhodná součást systému morforegulace. Obilnářské listy, 17 (2): 56-57.
Šilanskiene, M., Sirgedaite-Šežiene, V., Vaitiekunaite, D., 2024. Chitosan exhibits variable effects on pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) and alder (Alnus glutinosa L.) growth and secondary metabolism. iForest – Biogeosciences and Forestry, 17 (4): 236-244. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3832/ifor4404-017.
Śmigielska-Siarkowska, J., 2024. W jakim kierunku rozwija się rynek biostymulatorów? Available from: https://www.farmer.pl/produkcja-roslinna/w-jakim-kierunku-rozwija-sie-rynek-biostymulatorow,142119.html [accessed: 06.11.2024].
Tkaczyk, M., Skrzecz, I., Ambroszczyk, A., 2024. Wpływ biostymulatorów zawierających bakterie z rodzaju Bacillus na rozwój i ochronę sadzonek sosny zwyczajnej. [The effect of bio-stimulants containing Bacillus bacteria on the development and protection of Scots pine seedlings]. Sylwan, 168 (1): 62-69. DOI: https://doi.org/10.26202/sylwan.2023048.
Tkaczyk, M., Szmidla, H., Sikora, K., 2022. The use of biostimulants containing Ascophyllum nodosum (L.) Le Jolis algal extract in the cultivation and protection of English oak Quercus robur L. seedlings in forest nurseries. Sylwan, 166 (4): 244-252. DOI: https://doi.org/10.26202/sylwan.2023048.
Trion Market Research, 2025. Global biostimulants market 2019-2027. Available from: https://www.tritonmarketresearch.com/reports/biostimulants-market [accessed: 13.07.2025].
Xu, L., Geelen, D., 2018. Developing biostimulants from agro-food and industrial by-products. Frontiers in Plant Science, 9. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fpls.2018.01567.