Mechanisms of plant growth enhancement and drought tolerance induced by micro-carbon™-based phosphorus (MCT-P)
TL;DR
It is suggested that MCT-P acts as a biostimulant by integrating humic-like bioactivity with phosphorus-mediated metabolic regulation, promoting coordinated carbon–nutrient–energy responses that support plant growth and resilience under water-limited conditions.
Abstract
Plant biostimulants encompass diverse biologically active substances that enhance growth and stress tolerance through mechanisms beyond direct mineral nutrition. This study aimed to elucidate the mode of action of a phosphorus-based biostimulant (MCT-P) and its effects under drought stress in corn (Zea mays), lettuce (Lactuca sativa), and Arabidopsis thaliana. Standardized bioassays evaluated root morphology, biomass, nutrient uptake, sugar metabolism, gene expression (TOR, H+-ATPase, LAX3), photosynthetic pigments, and chlorophyll fluorescence under optimal and drought conditions. MCT-P significantly improved root architecture, biomass accumulation, nutrient acquisition, leaf sugar content, and root sugar exudation, while modulating growth-related gene expression and enhancing photosynthetic performance and drought tolerance. These results suggest that MCT-P acts as a biostimulant by integrating humic-like bioactivity with phosphorus-mediated metabolic regulation, promoting coordinated carbon–nutrient–energy responses that support plant growth and resilience under water-limited conditions.