Use of Biostimulants to Alleviate Anoxic Stress in Waterlogged Cabbage ( Brassica oleracea var. capitata )—A Review

In Europe, the intensity and frequency of flooding events are expected to increase due to climate change, adding additional challenges to agricultural production and creating the need for new plant products and adaptation tools. Cabbage is one economically important vegetable that is likely to be affected by increased flooding in Europe. This review investigates the potential of biostimulant applications based on algae extracts, amino acids, microorganisms, and nano-CaCO 3 to assist cabbage plants subjected to waterlogged conditions. The overall findings from the studies reviewed indicate that these biostimulants could aid plants suffering from anoxic stress due to waterlogging through their ability to improve nutrient availability and plant nutrient status, modulate phytohormones and phytohormone signalling, increase compatible solutes, and enhance the antioxidant system. The effect of biostimulants is influenced by multiple factors; therefore, field studies are required to determine the most valuable biostimulant combination and application dose, type, and timing for cabbage, as well as any economic benefits that could arise. More precise information would benefit food producers by providing them with additional adaptation tools to use in a changing climate as well as natural products that are compatible with the agriculture sector’s transition to more sustainable and ecological management.