Effects of the Kappaphycus alvarezii biostimulant in crop species: a systematic review (2020-2024)

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Keywords:

Red seaweed, Rhodophyta, Aqueous extract

Abstract

This review aimed to analyze the effects of Kappaphycus alvarezii extract as a biofertilizer for species of agricultural interest, considering scientific articles published between 2020 and 2024. The systematic review followed Prisma criteria and was conducted in the Capes Periodicals Portal database. Of the 480 articles initially identified, 25 addressed the use of K. alvarezii with a focus on the agronomic area. Among the evaluated crops, corn, rice, and tomato stood out, totaling 72% of the studies. A significant variation in results was found concerning the concentrations of the tested extracts, i.e., between 0.1% and 10% (v/v), indicating that the efficacy of the biofertilizer may be dose-dependent. Additionally, the method of application may also play an important role. However, in general, the studies demonstrate that the algal extract not only stimulates plant growth and productivity but also enhances their resistance to stresses. Furthermore, it positively influences molecular mechanisms, plant health, and the soil microbiome, contributing to production systems with lower environmental impact. Thus, the biofertilizer from K. alvarezii may be a viable alternative for sustainable agriculture.

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Epagri - Revista Agropecuária Catarinense
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Author Biographies

Aline Nunes, Universidade Estadual Paulista “Júlio de Mesquita Filho”

Doutora em Biotecnologia e Biociências pela Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina. Pós-doutoranda na Universidade Estadual Paulista "Júlio de Mesquita Filho". Experiência em compostos bioativos, metabolômica e quimiometria.

E-mail: alinenunes_bio@hotmail.com. ORCID: 0000-0002-7758-2681

Gadiel Zilto Azevedo, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina

Engenheiro Agrônomo pela Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina. Experiência em metabolômica e quimiometria.

E-mail: gad.azevedo@gmail.com. ORCID: 0000-0002-1263-4604.

Marcelo Maraschin, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina

Doutor em Bioquímica pela Universidade Federal do Paraná. Atualmente é professor titular na Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina. O foco de sua linha de pesquisa é o uso de ferramentas analíticas e técnicas de bioinformática na investigação do metaboloma e do potencial de espécies terrestres e marinhas como fontes de compostos de interesse biotecnológico.

E-mail: m2@cca.ufsc.br. ORCID: 0000-0002-4146-4835.  

Giuseppina Pace Pereira Lima, Universidade Estadual Paulista “Júlio de Mesquita Filho”

Doutora em Ciências Biológicas (Botânica - Bioquimica e Fisiologia Vegetal) pela Universidade Estadual Paulista Júlio de Mesquita Filho. Atualmente é professora Titular em Bioquímica Vegetal da Universidade Estadual Paulista Júlio de Mesquita Filho. Tem experiência na área de Bioquímica de Plantas e atua em Bioquímica Pós-Colheita.

E-mail: pace.lima@unesp.br. ORCID: 0000-0002-1792-2605.

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2025-11-21

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Nunes, A., Azevedo, G. Z., Maraschin, M., & Lima, G. P. P. (2025). Effects of the Kappaphycus alvarezii biostimulant in crop species: a systematic review (2020-2024). Agropecuária Catarinense Journal, 38. Retrieved from https://publicacoes.epagri.sc.gov.br/rac/article/view/2204

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Vol. 38 (2025): Ahead of print

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Bibliografic review

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Copyright (c) 2025 Aline Nunes, Gadiel Zilto Azevedo, Marcelo Maraschin, Giuseppina Pace Pereira Lima

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