Biostimulant activity of phosphite in horticulture
Fernando C. Gómez-Merinoa
Colegio de Postgraduados Campus Córdoba, Veracruz
Libia I. Trejo-Téllezb
Colegio de Postgraduados Campus Montecillo, Mexico
Phosphite (Phi), a reduced form of phosphate (Pi), is emerging as a novel biostimulator in horticulture. Though there is still no consensus on its physiological function as a P-source for plant nutrition, experimental evidence has shown that Phi can act as a biocide and affect plant production and productivity. Positive effects of Phi on plant metabolism are more evident when applied to the roots in hydroponic systems or to the leaves in the form of foliar sprays in the presence of sufficient Pi. Published research conclusively indicates that Phi functions as an effective pesticide against various species of pathogenic bacteria and Oomycetes. Nonetheless, the use of Phi as a sole P-source for plant nutrition is still at issue.