AgroPages is pleased to announce that Danny Geelen, Full Professor at Faculty Bioscience Engineering, Department Plants and Crops, unit HortiCell, Ghent University, has confirmed his participation as a speaker at the 7th BioEx – Biopesticides, Biostimulants and Biofertilizers Summit, taking place in Shanghai on March 12-13, 2026.
Prof. Geelen’s presentation, titled “Beyond the Byproduct: Novel Biostimulants from Crop Waste—Discovery and Mode of Action,” will delve into groundbreaking research on transforming agricultural byproducts into valuable biostimulant resources through innovative screening methodologies. His novel bioactivity screening platform evaluates plant growth performance, plant pathological effects, and environmental impact, generating a comprehensive database of biostimulant and biopesticide activities across multiple plant extracts.

A highlight of his talk will be a case study on Belgian endive root extracts, demonstrating how these agricultural byproducts can harbor hormone signaling activity and promote fruit development in paprika. This research exemplifies the strategic potential of leveraging crop waste as a valuable resource for biostimulant development.

Prof. Geelen’s work bridges fundamental and applied research, with significant contributions to plant tissue culture, plant breeding, and biostimulant innovation. His presentation at BioEx 2026 is a must-see for anyone interested in sustainable agricultural solutions and the future of biostimulants.