Course Description:
This course provides a complete understanding of plant biostimulants and how they can be a valuable tool to improve plant growth and yield. Across seven sections, we will learn about the different types of biostimulants and how they help plants perform better under both normal and stressful conditions.
Through real-life RNA sequencing studies and field examples, we will explore how biostimulants strengthen antioxidant defenses, support root development, improve nutrient uptake, enhance photosynthesis, and ultimately increase overall plant productivity.
In the final section, we focus on practical application strategies, covering seed, soil, and foliar applications, and how to properly position biostimulants within a crop nutrition program to maximize performance.
After completing this course, you will be able to
- Understand what biostimulants are and explain how they work in plants.
- Explain physiological and molecular mechanisms through which biostimulants enhance nutrient uptake, stress tolerance, and photosynthetic efficiency.
- Integrate soil and foliar biostimulants applications into a crop nutrition program to improve stress tolerance, nutrient efficiency and overall crop performance.
Time: 53 Minutes
Quiz: 22 Questions
CCA/CEU Credits: 1.0 Nutrient Management
* CEU credits will be submitted on your behalf upon the completion of the course. This process can take up to 30 days to appear in your account. Please make sure your CCA# is including in your profile or credits will not be applied. If you have any issues please contact ATP at info@atpag.com
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Course Content
Course Instructor
Dr. Barbara Hodecker is a plant nutrition and soil fertility specialist with a strong focus on plant physiology and the metabolic processes that govern plant health and productivity. Her work centers on understanding how plants respond to abiotic stress at morphological, physiological, and molecular levels, with extensive experience assessing metabolic alterations that influence resilience and yield potential.
She has expertise in micronutrient formulations, foliar nutrition, and biostimulants applied as seed enhancers and foliar treatments. Barbara combines a strong research background with practical field experience across a wide range of crops, including soybeans, corn, cotton, coffee, beans, canola, and cereals. Her career spans academic roles in Brazil, where she served as a professor and mentor while publishing international research, and industry roles in Brazil and Canada, including positions with Compass Minerals, ICL Specialty Fertilizers, and Nutrien Ag Solutions.
Barbara holds a BSc in Forest Engineering, and MSc and DSc degrees in Soil and Plant Nutrition from the Federal University of Viçosa, with part of her doctoral research conducted at the University of Sydney, Australia.