Benefits of Algal Extracts in Sustainable Agriculture

The Use of Microalgae and Cyanobacteria in the Improvement of Agricultural Practices: A Review on Their Biofertilising, Biostimulating and Biopesticide Roles

“…Chemically-based products have been widely used in agriculture, either as plantgrowth promotors (improving crops' yields), or as plant protection agents (protecting plants from different stress conditions) [5][6][7][8]. However, most of these agents are toxic and their accumulation in the plants and in the soil can be a threat to humans and to the environment.…”

“…However, most of these agents are toxic and their accumulation in the plants and in the soil can be a threat to humans and to the environment. Moreover, their accumulation has been associated with the development of microbial resistance to several drugs [3,5,7,8]. Considering the negative impacts of these products, current regulations are limiting the use of mineral fertilisers and chemical products in agriculture [5,7].…”

“…Moreover, their accumulation has been associated with the development of microbial resistance to several drugs [3,5,7,8]. Considering the negative impacts of these products, current regulations are limiting the use of mineral fertilisers and chemical products in agriculture [5,7]. In the search for more sustainable and environmentallyfriendly solutions to improve agricultural productivities, researchers have focused their attentions on biologically-based products, with microalgae and cyanobacteria emerging as a valuable resource for crops' production and protection due to their biofertilising and biostimulating potential [1][2][3]5,7,9].…”

“…Since this period, algal biomass has been extensively used in agriculture, but in the 20th century, products obtained from algal extracts have attracted the attention of farmers worldwide [5]. In fact, a wide variety of biologically-active compounds extracted from algae and cyanobacteria (e.g., phenols, terpenoids, free fatty acids-FFAs, polysaccharides, and carotenoids) has demonstrated to have promising effects in crops' production [2,7]. According to the literature, algal metabolites can play an important role in [4,9]: (i) soil decontamination and fertilisation; (ii) plant protection against biotic and abiotic stress factors; and (iii) plant development.…”

“…According to the literature, algal metabolites can play an important role in [4,9]: (i) soil decontamination and fertilisation; (ii) plant protection against biotic and abiotic stress factors; and (iii) plant development. In addition, microalgae and cyanobacteria also present phytohormones, which are known for their activity as plant-growth promotors [7,10,11]. Taking into account their potential benefits for the development of a sustainable agriculture, both biomass and extracts from microalgae and cyanobacteria are commercially available [9].…”