Climatic hazards are constantly affecting agro-ecosystems and crop development.

Abiotic stresses are caused by changes or extreme environmental conditions such as drought, severe temperature variations, frost, wind, hail, excess water, high salinity levels, etc. These climatic variations destabilize the crop environment and generate stresses that affect plant productivity, mainly during sensitive periods such as flowering and fruit set.

Furthermore, these abiotic stresses can occur at different stages of crop development, causing several waves of losses:

At emergence,
During vegetative development,
During the most critical reproductive phase, which can lead to significant yield losses.

For several years now, our teams have been conducting abiotic stress trials throughout Europe and Morocco. We specifically developed our capacities to conduct hydric stress trials. We can propose:

Controlled conditions tests in our lab in France,
Tunnel trials on vegetables or annual crops in Italy, Greece, Spain and France with modulation of the drip irrigation,
Field trials with controlled drip irrigation, such as maize in Italy, Spain, Romania and Hungary.

We can also offer saline tests (field or greenhouse) in Italy and Spain.

Measurement of the NDVI index

In addition to the usual visual assessments, we are also using digital tools such as Greenseeker or drone for NDVI (Normalized Difference Vegetation Index: vigor/quantity of vegetation), Canopeo application (% soil cover by crop), etc.

Measurement of the NDVI index

🆕 From 2025, the Dualex leafclip is available to measure the chlorophyll content, but also flavonol index, anthocyanin index. It calculates the Nitrogen Balance Index (NBI). It is a handheld leaf-clip that utilizes fluorescence and light transmission to determine the physiological state of leaves. It is a real-time, non-destructive sensor.

Samples can also be taken for laboratory analysis when specific markers are known (e.g. Delta C13 for vines).

In terms of monitoring soil and climatic conditions, we have soil probes (capacitive and tensiometric) which enable us to assess the state of hydric comfort/stress of crops over time, to manage water inputs and/or a posteriori, to interpret the results of ratings. We also have access to comprehensive meteorological data (including evapotranspiration), which we can supply to our customers.

Each trial having its own objective and layout, do not hesitate to discuss your needs with your usual Sales Advisor so as we can propose a customized solution.

This map shows some of the locations where we can set up abiotic stress trials.

click on each point to see what type of testing can be carried out.

Some examples of hydric stress trials:

Maize trial in France

The aim of the trial was to verify the model used to forecast the crop’s water requirements. We set up a strip irrigation control system to compare 3 modalities: no irrigation, irrigation using a forecasting model and conventional irrigation.

Legend: irrigation equipment installed on the irrigated strip

Mirror oilseed-rape trials in Austria and Romania

The aim of the trial is to test the drought tolerance of different varieties.

We set up mirror trials: one with irrigation, one without.

Legend: irrigated trial

Cauliflower trial in Spain

The aim of this trial is to assess the efficacy of a biostimulant on leafy vegetables affected by drought stress.

We manage the level of drought stress by monitoring the plant’s reaction to the lack of water. After a few days showing clear symptoms of drought stress, irrigation is resumed. We then assess and analyse the vigour of each plot: untreated and treated with biostimulants, and with or without irrigation.

Legend: drip irrigation

Corn trial in Italy under tunnel

The aim of this trial is to assess a biostimulant effect on grain corn resilience under water stress, comparing 3 conditions : one untreated with full irrigation, one untreated with reduced irrigation and one treated with a biostimulant and with reduced irrigation.

In order to control water stress as effectively as possible, this trial is carried out in a tunnel to avoid rain interaction.

Legend: tunnel with irrigation

Bell pepper trial in Greece under tunnel

The aim of this trial is to compare the flowering quality after several applications of different Biostimulants in order to determine the best candidate in drought conditions. Two blocks with different irrigation levels (full and partial irrigation) were set up to simulate dry conditions. The trial was conducted in a greenhouse environment to isolate the trial from the rain. Visual assessments were performed during the course of the trial but also measures of the Chlorophyll content, and harvest parameters.

Legend: Pepper crop with drip irrigation in tunnel

Whatever the purpose: biostimulant trials under the AFNOR norm 17700-3 (abiotic stress) or variety trials, our team is at your disposal to meet your needs and to succeed the trials: