Microalgae in agricultural crop production

Abstract

Microalgae attract scientific interest due to their high potential as ecofriendly biostimulants, biofertilizers and bioprotectants against biotic and abiotic stresses. Literature reports reveal the positive effects of microalgae application to crop systems in improving plant nutrient uptake and tolerance to stress However, high variability of their effects on plants, depending on the method of formulation preparation, genetic variability of species and cultivars, crop phenological phase when they are applied, dose of application, and strain used. The outcomes of the present review demonstrated the high benefits of microalgae application to improve plant tollerence to oxidantive stress, yield and nutritional quality of the product. To optimise the beneficial effect of microalgae in crop production, further research is necessary aimed to reveal molecular and physiological aspects of their utilization.