Use of microalgae as biostimulants for fruit plants: a field study on Fragaria x ananassa

Bio-based solutions are gathering more and more interest, not only for addressing environmental challenges, but also as sustainable and viable alternatives to chemical products. The use of microalgae as biostimulants in agriculture represents an innovative strategy to enhance growth, productivity, and resilience of agronomically interesting plants. Microalgae are photosynthetic microorganisms rich in nutrients, bioactive compounds, and secondary metabolites that can positively influence plant development. Microalgal cultures offer numerous advantages over traditional chemical biostimulants, including environmental sustainability and biodegradability. Fragaria x ananassa is a plant of agronomic and economic interest due to the pleasing flavour of its false fruits (strawberries) and their recognized value as reservoirs of bioactive compounds renowned for their antioxidant properties. The aim of the present study was to assess the effectiveness of a microalgal product as biostimulant for the growth, productivity, and fruit quality of strawberry plants.