Acessibilidade / Reportar erro

Lithothamnion sp. as biostimulant in plant cultivation1

Lithothamnion sp. como bioestimulante no cultivo de plantas

ABSTRACT

One of the various seaweed species with biostimulating properties is Lithothamnion sp., a calcareous seaweed recognized for its nutritional attributes. This review article aimed to gather information on Lithothamnion sp. and its applications in agricultural cultivation, focusing on identifying and analyzing its biostimulant effects. The practical use of this biostimulant in farming has been confirmed by studies highlighting its efficiency, which varies according to the source material (deposit and particle fraction), application methodology (dosage, methods and frequency) and specific crop (genotype and development stages). Lithothamnion sp. is notable for promoting vegetative growth and has established itself as an invaluable biostimulant in producing seedlings of various species. Its application, either via soil or by foliar methods, has led to improvements in the yield and quality of vegetables, fruits, oilseed crops, grains and forage plants. Although the underlying mechanisms need further investigation, the results suggest that Lithothamnion sp. contributes to amplifying photosynthesis, water-use efficiency and phytoalexin production.

KEYWORDS:
Coralline algae; rhodolite; biofertilizers

RESUMO

Diversas algas possuem efeitos bioestimulantes, como o Lithothamnion sp., uma alga marinha calcária conhecida por seu valor nutricional. Objetivou-se, neste artigo de revisão, compilar informações sobre o Lithothamnion sp. e suas aplicações em cultivos agrícolas, visando identificar e analisar seus efeitos bioestimulantes. A aplicação prática desse bioestimulante na agricultura tem sido verificada por meio de estudos que demonstram sua eficácia dependendo da matéria prima utilizada (jazida e fração da partícula), tecnologia de aplicação (dosagem, formas e intervalos) e cultura (genótipo e estádios de desenvolvimento). O Lithothamnion sp. se destaca por induzir o desenvolvimento vegetativo e ser uma ferramenta valiosa na produção de mudas de diversas espécies. Sua aplicação, seja via solo ou foliar, tem revelado melhorias na produção e qualidade de hortaliças, frutas, culturas oleaginosas, grãos e forrageiras. Ainda que os mecanismos subjacentes exijam investigações mais aprofundadas, os resultados sugerem que o Lithothamnion sp. contribui para o aumento na fotossíntese, eficiência do uso da água e produção de fitoalexinas.

PALAVRAS-CHAVE:
Algas coralinas; rodolito; biofertilizantes

Agriculture is significantly challenged by climate change, which has intensified environmental pressures and increased the demand for agricultural inputs to maintain yield and reduce economic losses (Malhi et al. 2021MALHI, G. S.; KAUR, M.; KAUSHIK, P. Impact of climate change on agriculture and its mitigation strategies: a review. Sustainability, v. 13, n. 3, e1318, 2021.). In the quest for more sustainable agricultural practices, research has shifted towards developing new inputs capable of effectively addressing these challenges (Raza et al. 2019RAZA, A.; RAZZAQ, A.; MEHMOOD, S. S.; ZOU, X.; ZHANG, X.; LV, Y.; XU, J. Impact of climate change on crops adaptation and strategies to tackle its outcome: a review. Plants, v. 8, n. 2, e34, 2019.). In Brazil, the National Bioinput Program was established in May 2020 through Decree nº 10,375 (Brasil 2020bBRASIL. Decreto Nº 10.375, de 26 de maio de 2020. Institui o Programa Nacional de Bioinsumos e o Conselho Estratégico do Programa Nacional de Bioinsumos. Diário Oficial da União, Brasília, DF, seção 1, n. 100, p. 105, 27 maio 2020b.).

Bioinputs are defined as products, processes or technologies derived from biological sources that produce positive impacts on the chemical, physical and biological processes of target organisms (Brasil 2020bBRASIL. Decreto Nº 10.375, de 26 de maio de 2020. Institui o Programa Nacional de Bioinsumos e o Conselho Estratégico do Programa Nacional de Bioinsumos. Diário Oficial da União, Brasília, DF, seção 1, n. 100, p. 105, 27 maio 2020b.). This definition aligns with the concept of biostimulants, even though this specific term was not directly mentioned in the decree. Biostimulants, in turn, include substances or microorganisms applied to plants to enhance nutritional efficiency, improve tolerance to abiotic stresses and/or the inherent qualities of crops, regardless of their nutritional content (Du Jardin 2015DU JARDIN, P. Plant biostimulants: definition, concept, main categories and regulation. Scientia Horticulturae, v. 196, n. 1, p. 3-14, 2015.). This perspective aligns with European Union regulations, which classify biostimulants on par with fertilizers under Regulation (EU) 2019/1009, dated June 5, 2019 (União Europeia 2019UNIãO EUROPEIA. Regulamento (UE) 2019/1009 do Parlamento Europeu e do Conselho de 5 de junho de 2019 relativo aos fertilizantes e que revoga os Regulamentos (CE) n.º 1069/2009 e (CE) n.º 1107/2009 do Parlamento Europeu e do Conselho e o Regulamento (CE) n.º 2003/2003 do Parlamento Europeu e do Conselho e os Regulamentos (CE) n.º 282/2004 e (CE) n.º 1099/2009 do Conselho. 2019. Available at: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/PT/TXT/?uri=celex%3A02019R1009-20221003. Access on: Aug. 04, 2023.
https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/...
).

In Brazil, products with biostimulant compounds are classified as biofertilizers. This category encompasses products derived from amino acids, humic substances, algae extracts, plant extracts or combinations thereof, as long as their bioactive properties are verified (Brasil 2020aBRASIL. Instrução Normativa Nº 61, de 8 de julho de 2020. Estabelece as regras sobre definições, exigências, especificações, garantias, tolerâncias, registro, embalagem e rotulagem dos fertilizantes orgânicos e dos biofertilizantes, destinados à agricultura. Diário Oficial da União, Brasília, DF, seção 1, n. 134, p. 5, 15 jul. 2020a.). The regulation for this classification falls under the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Supply, as per Normative Instruction nº 61, dated July 8, 2020. This regulation requires the scientific validation of bioactivity using bioassays (Brasil 2020aBRASIL. Instrução Normativa Nº 61, de 8 de julho de 2020. Estabelece as regras sobre definições, exigências, especificações, garantias, tolerâncias, registro, embalagem e rotulagem dos fertilizantes orgânicos e dos biofertilizantes, destinados à agricultura. Diário Oficial da União, Brasília, DF, seção 1, n. 134, p. 5, 15 jul. 2020a.). However, in Brazil, most biostimulant products are registered under the category of organic fertilizers, which do not require proof of bioactivity.

Biofertilizers from the class of seaweed extracts or processed seaweeds must declare a minimum content of 1 % of alginic acid for liquid products and 5 % for solid products (Brasil 2020aBRASIL. Instrução Normativa Nº 61, de 8 de julho de 2020. Estabelece as regras sobre definições, exigências, especificações, garantias, tolerâncias, registro, embalagem e rotulagem dos fertilizantes orgânicos e dos biofertilizantes, destinados à agricultura. Diário Oficial da União, Brasília, DF, seção 1, n. 134, p. 5, 15 jul. 2020a.). Although various algae exhibit biostimulant effects, only certain large brown algae, predominantly found in temperate climates, contain alginic acid (Hurtado et al. 2020HURTADO, A.; SELGAS, R.; SERRANO-AROCA, A. El alginato y sus inmensas aplicaciones industriales. Nereis, n. 12, p. 137-149, 2020., Gómez-Matos et al. 2023GÓMEZ-MATOS, M.; MARTÍNEZ-BALMORI, D.; COLL-GARCIA, Y. Alginato y sus oligosacáridos a partir de algas pardas de arribazón: preparación y bioactividad agrícola: una revision. Revista Cubana de Química, v. 35, n. 1, p. 46-67, 2023.). Since few marine macroalgae and no red algae (Rhodophyta) contain alginic acid (Gómez-Matos et al. 2023GÓMEZ-MATOS, M.; MARTÍNEZ-BALMORI, D.; COLL-GARCIA, Y. Alginato y sus oligosacáridos a partir de algas pardas de arribazón: preparación y bioactividad agrícola: una revision. Revista Cubana de Química, v. 35, n. 1, p. 46-67, 2023.), products containing these algae cannot be registered as biofertilizers. Such gap highlights the shortcomings of the Brazilian legislation concerning biostimulants, leading to uncertainty throughout the production chain, especially among farmers.

Among red marine algae, the Lithothamnion genus, also known as Lithothamnium, is the only one classified under the category of mineral fertilizer, as per Normative Instruction nº 39, dated August 8, 2018, which considers only the mineral fraction of the algae (Brasil 2018BRASIL. Instrução Normativa Nº 39, de 8 de agosto de 2018. Estabelece as regras sobre definições, exigências, especificações, garantias, registro de produto, autorizações, embalagem, rotulagem, documentos fiscais, propaganda e tolerâncias dos fertilizantes minerais destinados à agricultura. Diário Oficial da União, Brasília, DF, seção 1, n. 154, p. 19, 10 ago. 2018.). This classification overlooks the organic fraction that is rich in humic acids with auxinic activity (Amatussi et al. 2020AMATUSSI, J. O.; MÓGOR, A. F.; MÓGOR, G.; LARA, G. B. de. Novel use of calcareous algae as a plant biostimulant. Journal of Applied Phycology, v. 32, n. 3, p. 2023-2030, 2020.).

This review article aims to gather information about Lithothamnion sp. and its implications on agricultural cultivation, focusing on identifying and analyzing its biostimulant effects.

Lithothamnion is classified under the Eukaryota domain/empire, Plantae kingdom, Biliphyta subkingdom, Rhodaria infrakingdom, Rodophyta phylum, Eurhodophytina subphylum, Florideophyceae class, Corallinophycidae subclass, Corallinales order, Mesophyllineae suborder, Hapalidiaceae family and Lithothamnion genus (AlgaeBase 2023ALGAEBASE. Taxonomy browser. 2023. Available at: https://www.algaebase.org. Access on: Aug. 03, 2023.
https://www.algaebase.org...
). This genus is commonly referred to as coralline algae and is a member of the red algae group (Coutinho et al. 2022COUTINHO, L. M.; GOMES, F. P.; SISSINI, M. N.; VIEIRA-PINTO, T.; HENRIQUES, M. C. M. de O.; OLIVEIRA, M. C.; HORTA, P. A.; BARRETO, M. B. B. de B. Cryptic diversity in non-geniculate coralline algae: a new genus Roseolithon (Hapalidiales, Rhodophyta) and seven new species from the western Atlantic. European Journal of Phycology, v. 57, n. 2, p. 227-250, 2022.).

The Lithothamnion genus comprises 76 species, three varieties and 10 forms recognized in the taxonomic database. Additionally, it includes 51 names with an uncertain status, and three names that are yet to be verified (AlgaeBase 2023ALGAEBASE. Taxonomy browser. 2023. Available at: https://www.algaebase.org. Access on: Aug. 03, 2023.
https://www.algaebase.org...
). Despite efforts, including the application of molecular techniques (Coutinho et al. 2022COUTINHO, L. M.; GOMES, F. P.; SISSINI, M. N.; VIEIRA-PINTO, T.; HENRIQUES, M. C. M. de O.; OLIVEIRA, M. C.; HORTA, P. A.; BARRETO, M. B. B. de B. Cryptic diversity in non-geniculate coralline algae: a new genus Roseolithon (Hapalidiales, Rhodophyta) and seven new species from the western Atlantic. European Journal of Phycology, v. 57, n. 2, p. 227-250, 2022.), an accurate and exhaustive taxonomic identification of Lithothamnion sp. remains complex and insufficiently explored (Sissini et al. 2022SISSINI, M. N.; KOERICH, G.; BARROS-BARRETO, M. B. de; COUTINHO, L. M.; GOMES, F. P.; OLIVEIRA, W.; COSTA, I. A.; NUNES, J. M. de C.; HENRIQUES, M. C.; VIEIRA-PINTO, T.; TORRANO-SILVA, B. N.; OLIVEIRA, M. C.; GALL, L. L.; HORTA, P. A. Diversity, distribution, and environmental drivers of coralline red algae: the major reef builders in the southwestern Atlantic. Coral Reefs, v. 41, n. 3, p. 711-725, 2022.).

Lithothamnion is characterized by its ultraporous material, which has a high specific surface area. It contains minerals such as magnesian calcite, calcite and aragonite with xenomorphic and granular crystals (Silva et al. 2021SILVA, J. R. M.; OLIVEIRA, L. F. C. de; FRANCO, C. S.; OLIVEIRA, J. E. de; SILVERIO, B. B. Adsorption of metal ions in red marine algae Lithothamnion calcareum in the treatment of industrial effluents. Ambiente & Água, v. 16, n. 5, e2740, 2021.). Additionally, it has isotropic calcium particles (Raut & Gadani 2021RAUT, S. H.; GADANI, M. C. Comparative characterization study of plant based calcium versus synthetic calcium. International Journal of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Analysis, v. 8, n. 3, p. 134-140, 2021.) and humic substances (Amatussi et al. 2020AMATUSSI, J. O.; MÓGOR, A. F.; MÓGOR, G.; LARA, G. B. de. Novel use of calcareous algae as a plant biostimulant. Journal of Applied Phycology, v. 32, n. 3, p. 2023-2030, 2020.). Its complex composition encompasses calcium and magnesium carbonates, as well as over 20 trace elements, which vary in composition and quantity (Dias 2000DIAS, G. T. M. Granulados bioclásticos: algas calcárias. Revista Brasileira de Geofísica, v. 18, n. 3, p. 308-318, 2000.).

From an economic perspective, the significance lies in the unconsolidated sedimentary materials derived from algae, which are evident as rhodoliths, nodules and bioclastic fragments (Paiva et al. 2023PAIVA, S. V.; CARNEIRO, P. B. M.; GARCIA, T. M.; TAVARES, T. C. L.; PINHEIRO, L. de S.; XIMENES NETO, A. R.; MONTALVERNE, T. C.; SOARES, M. O. Marine carbonate mining in the southwestern Atlantic: current status, potential impacts, and conservation actions. Política Marítima, v. 148, e105435, 2023.). Bioclastic granules, which represent a highly fragmented portion of sedimentary structures, are formed through processes such as water movement, bioturbation, grazing and dragging (Foster 2001FOSTER, M. S. Rhodoliths: between rocks and soft places. Journal of Phycology, v. 37, n. 5, p. 659-667, 2001.). This granular composition can also include additional benthic materials such as shells, algae and animal remains (Helias & Burel 2023HELIAS, M.; BUREL, T. Maerl-associated macroalgae in the bay of Brest (Brittany, France). Marine Biodiversity, v. 53, n. 1, e14, 2023.).

The extraction of sedimentary material from algae is conducted using the dredging method (Paiva et al. 2023PAIVA, S. V.; CARNEIRO, P. B. M.; GARCIA, T. M.; TAVARES, T. C. L.; PINHEIRO, L. de S.; XIMENES NETO, A. R.; MONTALVERNE, T. C.; SOARES, M. O. Marine carbonate mining in the southwestern Atlantic: current status, potential impacts, and conservation actions. Política Marítima, v. 148, e105435, 2023.), which is characterized by its low selectivity, enabling the collection of all unconsolidated material. During processing, the raw material undergoes washing to eliminate the excess of salts and impurities (Souza & Martins 2008SOUZA, K. G.; MARTINS, L. R. Recursos minerais marinhos: pesquisa, lavra e beneficiamento. Gravel, v. 6, n. 1, p. 99-124, 2008.), which is then followed by drying and grinding (Dias 2000DIAS, G. T. M. Granulados bioclásticos: algas calcárias. Revista Brasileira de Geofísica, v. 18, n. 3, p. 308-318, 2000.). Products available in the market differ in their particle sizes, which depend on the grinding intensity. Those with smaller particle sizes are termed ‘micronized’, which entail mechanical breakdown due to friction between particles, resulting in sizes ranging from 1 to 10 μm (Amatussi et al. 2020AMATUSSI, J. O.; MÓGOR, A. F.; MÓGOR, G.; LARA, G. B. de. Novel use of calcareous algae as a plant biostimulant. Journal of Applied Phycology, v. 32, n. 3, p. 2023-2030, 2020.).

Various terms describe the sedimentary materials of calcareous algae, including maerl (Helias & Burel 2023HELIAS, M.; BUREL, T. Maerl-associated macroalgae in the bay of Brest (Brittany, France). Marine Biodiversity, v. 53, n. 1, e14, 2023., Ingrassia et al. 2023INGRASSIA, M.; PIERDOMENICO, M.; CASALBORE, D.; FALESE, F. G.; CHIOCCI, F. L. A review of rhodolith/maerl beds of the Italian seas. Diversity, v. 15, n. 7, e859, 2023.), bioclastic granules (Veneu et al. 2018VENEU, D. M.; SCHNEIDER, C. L.; MONTE, M. B. de M.; CUNHA, O. G. C.; YOKOYAMA, L. Cadmium removal by bioclastic granules (Lithothamnion calcareum): batch and fixed-bed column systems sorption studies. Environmental Technology, v. 39, n. 13, p. 1670-1681, 2018. and 2019VENEU, D. M.; YOKOYAMA, L.; CUNHA, O. G. C.; SCHNEIDER, C. L.; MONTE, M. B. de M. Nickel sorption using bioclastic granules as a sorbent material: equilibrium, kinetic and characterization studies. Journal of Materials Research and Technology, v. 8, n. 1, p. 840-852, 2019.) and rhodoliths (Rendina et al. 2020RENDINA, F.; KALEB, S.; CARAGNANO, A.; FERRIGNO, F.; APPOLLONI, L.; DONNARUMMA, L.; RUSSO, G. F.; SANDULLI, R.; ROVIELLO, V.; FALACE, A. Distribution and characterization of deep rhodolith beds off the Campania coast (SW Italy, Mediterranean Sea). Plants, v. 9, e985, 2020., Sissini et al. 2022SISSINI, M. N.; KOERICH, G.; BARROS-BARRETO, M. B. de; COUTINHO, L. M.; GOMES, F. P.; OLIVEIRA, W.; COSTA, I. A.; NUNES, J. M. de C.; HENRIQUES, M. C.; VIEIRA-PINTO, T.; TORRANO-SILVA, B. N.; OLIVEIRA, M. C.; GALL, L. L.; HORTA, P. A. Diversity, distribution, and environmental drivers of coralline red algae: the major reef builders in the southwestern Atlantic. Coral Reefs, v. 41, n. 3, p. 711-725, 2022.). The term “rhodoliths” is particularly relevant for characterizing these structures. However, the concept of bioclastic granules is more encompassing (Vale et al. 2022VALE, N. F. L.; BRAGA, J. C.; BASTOS, A. C.; MORAES, F. C.; KAREZ, C. S.; BAHIA, R. G.; LEÃO, L. A.; PEREIRA, R. C.; AMADO-FILHO, G. M.; SALGADO, L. T. Structure and composition of rhodolith beds from the Sergipe-Alagoas basin (NE Brazil, southwestern Atlantic). Diversity, v. 14, e282, 2022.). Rhodoliths are free-living structures mainly comprised of 50 % non-geniculated coralline algae. They display a diverse range of shapes, sizes and species, and can exist in both living and fossil forms (Foster 2001FOSTER, M. S. Rhodoliths: between rocks and soft places. Journal of Phycology, v. 37, n. 5, p. 659-667, 2001.). Rhodoliths often associate with other benthic organisms, bioclastic sediments and various species of coralline or epiphytic algae (Carvalho et al. 2020CAVALHO, V. F.; ASSIS, J.; SERRÃO, E. A.; NUNES, J. M.; ANDERSON, A. B.; BATISTA, M. B.; BARUFI, J. B.; SILVA, J.; PEREIRA, S. M. B.; HORTA, P. A. Environmental drivers of rhodolith beds and epiphytes community along the south western Atlantic coast. Marine Environmental Research, v. 154, e104827, 2020., Vale et al. 2022VALE, N. F. L.; BRAGA, J. C.; BASTOS, A. C.; MORAES, F. C.; KAREZ, C. S.; BAHIA, R. G.; LEÃO, L. A.; PEREIRA, R. C.; AMADO-FILHO, G. M.; SALGADO, L. T. Structure and composition of rhodolith beds from the Sergipe-Alagoas basin (NE Brazil, southwestern Atlantic). Diversity, v. 14, e282, 2022.), delivering a plethora of environmental services, notably in preserving biodiversity (Ingrassia et al. 2023INGRASSIA, M.; PIERDOMENICO, M.; CASALBORE, D.; FALESE, F. G.; CHIOCCI, F. L. A review of rhodolith/maerl beds of the Italian seas. Diversity, v. 15, n. 7, e859, 2023.). Unregulated commercial exploitation of these areas may lead to significant environmental challenges, as observed in France (Bernard et al. 2019BERNARD, G.; ROMERO-RAMIREZ, A.; TAURAN, A.; PANTALOS, M.; DEFLANDRE, B.; GRALL, J.; GRÉMARE, A. Declining maerl vitality and habitat complexity across a dredging gradient: insights from in situ sediment profile imagery (SPI). Scientific Reports, v. 9, n. 1, e16463, 2019.). This underscores the importance of innovative conservation strategies for these organisms and their habitats (Carvalho et alCAVALHO, V. F.; ASSIS, J.; SERRÃO, E. A.; NUNES, J. M.; ANDERSON, A. B.; BATISTA, M. B.; BARUFI, J. B.; SILVA, J.; PEREIRA, S. M. B.; HORTA, P. A. Environmental drivers of rhodolith beds and epiphytes community along the south western Atlantic coast. Marine Environmental Research, v. 154, e104827, 2020.. 2020), not only to Brazil - which has a considerable potential for the commercial exploitation of rhodoliths - but also to other countries, due to its global significance (Tuya et al. 2023TUYA, F.; SHUBERT, N.; AGUIRRE, J.; BASSO, D.; BASTOS, E. O.; BERCHEZ, F.; BERNADINO, A. F.; BOSCH, N. E.; BURDETT, H. L.; ESINO, F.; FERNÁNDEZ-GÁRCIA, C.; FRANCINI-FILHO, R. B.; GAGNON, P.; HALL-SPENCER, J. M.; HAROUN, R.; HOFMANN, L. C.; HORTA, P. A.; KAMENOS, N. A.; GALT, L. L.; MAGRIS, R. A.; TÂMEGA, F. T. S. Levelling-up rhodolith-bed science to address global-scale conservation challenges. Science of the Total Environment, v. 892, e164818, 2023.).

Coralline algae have been documented in both living and fossil forms across various regions, including the Mediterranean, Gulf of California, Atlantic coast of Norway, Ireland, northeastern Canada, eastern Caribbean, Brazil, southern Japan and western Australia (Foster 2001FOSTER, M. S. Rhodoliths: between rocks and soft places. Journal of Phycology, v. 37, n. 5, p. 659-667, 2001.). Computational studies suggest an even broader distribution for these organisms (Fragkopoulou et al. 2021FRAGKOPOULOU, E.; SERRÃO, E. A.; HORTA, P. A.; KOERICH, G.; ASSIS, J. Bottom trawling threatens future climate refugia of rhodoliths globally. Frontiers in Marine Science, v. 7, e594537, 2021.). Notably, the Brazilian coast is home to the world’s largest rhodolith reserve (Amado-Filho 2012AMADO-FILHO, G. M.; MOURA, R. L.; BASTOS, A. C.; SALGADO, L. T.; SUMIDA, P. Y.; GUTH, A. Z.; FRANCINE-FILHO, R. B.; PEREIRA-FILHO, G. H.; ABRANTES, D. P.; SILVA BRASILEIRO, P.; BAHIA, R. G.; LEAL, R. N.; KAUFMAN, L.; KLEYPAS, J. A.; FARINA, M.; THOMPSON, F. L. Rhodolith beds are major CaCO3 bio-factories in the tropical south west Atlantic. Plos One, v. 7, n. 4, p. 1-6, 2012.). The diversity of calcareous algae species comprising the rhodoliths is significant along Brazil’s coast, as evidenced by studies in the states of Espírito Santo (Amado-Filho et al. 2010AMADO-FILHO, G. M.; MANEVELDT, G. W.; PEREIRA-FILHO, G. H.; MANSO, R. C. C.; BAHIA, R. G.; BARROS-BARRETO, M. B.; GUIMARÃES, S. M. P. B. Seaweed diversity associated with a Brazilian tropical rhodolith bed. Ciencias Marinas, v. 36, n. 4, p. 371-391, 2010., Sissini et al. 2022SISSINI, M. N.; KOERICH, G.; BARROS-BARRETO, M. B. de; COUTINHO, L. M.; GOMES, F. P.; OLIVEIRA, W.; COSTA, I. A.; NUNES, J. M. de C.; HENRIQUES, M. C.; VIEIRA-PINTO, T.; TORRANO-SILVA, B. N.; OLIVEIRA, M. C.; GALL, L. L.; HORTA, P. A. Diversity, distribution, and environmental drivers of coralline red algae: the major reef builders in the southwestern Atlantic. Coral Reefs, v. 41, n. 3, p. 711-725, 2022.), Bahia (Costa et al. 2014COSTA, I. A.; HORTA, P. A.; BERGSTROM, E. R.; NUNES, J. M. C. Taxonomic study of crustose coralline algae of the northeastern Brazilian coast. Phytotaxa, v. 190, n. 1, p. 130-161, 2014.), São Paulo (Pereira Filho et al. 2019PEREIRA FILHO, G. H.; SHINTATE, G. S. I.; KITAHARA, M. V.; MOURA, R. L.; AMADO-FILHO, G. M.; BAHIA, R. G.; MORAES, F. C.; NEVES, L. M.; FRANCINI, C. L.; GIBRAN, F. Z.; MOTTA, F. S. The southernmost Atlantic coral reef is off the subtropical island of Queimada Grande (24 S), Brazil. Bulletin of Marine Science, v. 95, n. 2, p. 277-287, 2019.), Sergipe and Alagoas (Vale et al. 2022VALE, N. F. L.; BRAGA, J. C.; BASTOS, A. C.; MORAES, F. C.; KAREZ, C. S.; BAHIA, R. G.; LEÃO, L. A.; PEREIRA, R. C.; AMADO-FILHO, G. M.; SALGADO, L. T. Structure and composition of rhodolith beds from the Sergipe-Alagoas basin (NE Brazil, southwestern Atlantic). Diversity, v. 14, e282, 2022.), the Amazon river delta (Moura et al. 2016MOURA, R. L.; AMADO-FILHO, G. M.; MORAES, F. C.; SILVA BRASILEIRO, P.; SALOMON, P. S.; MAHIQUES, M. M.; BASTOS, A. C.; ALMEIDA, M. G.; SILVA JÚNIOR, J. M.; ARAUJO, B. F.; BRITO, F. P.; RANGEL, T. P.; OLIVEIRA, B. C. V.; BAHIA, R. G.; PARANHOS, R. P.; DIAS, R. J. S.; SIEGLE, E.; FIGUEIREDO JÚNIOR, A. G.; PEREIRA, R. C.; LEAL, C. V.; HAJDU, E.; ASP, N. E.; GREGORACCI, G. B.; NEUMANN-LEITÃO, S.; YAGER, P. L.; FRANCINI-FILHO, R. B.; FRÓES, A.; CAMPEÃO, M.; SILVA. B. S.; MOREIRA, A. P. B.; OLIVEIRA, L.; SOARES, A. C.; ARAUJO, L.; OLIVEIRA, N. L.; TEIXIERA, J. B.; VALLE, R. A. B.; THOMPSON, C. C.; REZENDE, C. E.; THOMPSON, F. L. An extensive reef system at the Amazon river mouth. Science Advances, v. 2, n. 4, e1501252, 2016., Vale et al. 2018VALE, N. F.; AMADO-FILHO, G. M.; BRAGA, J. C.; SILVA BRASILEIRO, P.; KAREZ, C. S.; MORAES, F. C.; BAHIA, R. G.; BASTOS, A. C.; MOURA, R. L. Structure and composition of rhodoliths from the Amazon river mouth, Brazil. Journal of South American Earth Sciences, v. 84, n. 1, p. 149-159, 2018.) and Ceará (Carneiro et al. 2021CARNEIRO, P. B. de M.; LIMA, J. P. de; BANDEIRA, E. V. P.; XIMENES NETO, A. R.; BARREIRA, C. de A. R.; TÂMEGA, F. T. de S.; MATTHEWS-CASCON, H.; FRANKLIN JUNIOR, W.; MORAIS, J. O. de. Structure, growth and CaCO3 production in a shallow rhodolith bed from a highly energetic siliciclastic-carbonate coast in the equatorial SW Atlantic ocean. Marine Environmental Research, v. 166, e105280, 2021.).

The rich diversity of calcareous algae species in the Espírito Santo state, which includes endemic species, stems from its position in a transitional zone between the tropical and warm temperate regions of Brazil (Carvalho et al. 2020CAVALHO, V. F.; ASSIS, J.; SERRÃO, E. A.; NUNES, J. M.; ANDERSON, A. B.; BATISTA, M. B.; BARUFI, J. B.; SILVA, J.; PEREIRA, S. M. B.; HORTA, P. A. Environmental drivers of rhodolith beds and epiphytes community along the south western Atlantic coast. Marine Environmental Research, v. 154, e104827, 2020.), offering a diverse environment that fosters an increased biodiversity.

Commercial deposits of calcareous algae in Brazil are found along the coastlines of the states of Maranhão, Bahia and Espírito Santo. These are operated by the licensed companies Oceana Minerals, PrimaSea and Supramar, respectively. No comparative analysis of the nutritional composition of these commercial products was found in existing literature. Therefore, in this review, we conducted a detailed analysis of both macro and micronutrients, as well as humic substances found in these different sources (Table 1). This information will facilitate a deeper understanding of the biostimulant effects associated with these products. This topic will be further discussed in subsequent sections of this review article. Based on our analyses, noticeable variations in composition from different extraction regions were observed, especially concerning the levels of iron, manganese, zinc, sodium and humic acid.

Table 1
Result for the chemical analysis of nutrients and humic substances of the commercial product from the companies Oceana Minerals (Algen®), Prima Sea (Primaz®) and Supramar (LT Supra®).

Moreover, the presence of amino acids in the commercial product LT Supra® was assessed. A sample was sent to the Instituto Campineiro de Análise de Solo e Adubo Ltda. This institute used the pre-column derivatization with phenyl isothiocyanate method, combined with liquid chromatography for amino acid analysis in foods (Hagen et al. 1989HAGEN, S. R.; FROST, B.; AUGUSTIN, J. Precolumn phenylsothiocyanate derivatizacion and liquid-chromatography of amino-acids in food. Journal of the Association of Official Analytical Chemists, v. 72, n. 6, p. 912-197, 1989.). The Walters Pico-Tag System (White et al. 1986WHITE, J.; HART, R. J.; FRY, J. C. An evaluation of the Walters pico-tag system for the amino-acid-analysis of food materials. Journal of Automatic Chemistry, v. 8, n. 4, p. 170-177, 1986.) was used for the aminogram analysis. The results indicated a concentration of 1,400 mg kg-1 of free amino acids (0.15 %). Notably, glycine and tryptophan were predominant, each present at 400 mg kg-1 of the product. Furthermore, the analysis identified aspartic acid (200 mg kg-1), alanine (200 mg kg-1), proline (100 mg kg-1), valine (100 mg kg-1) and glutamic acid (0.01 mg kg-1).

Lithothamnion sp. has been studied for its effects on the seedling production of various agricultural crops. However, its impact varies depending on the dosage used. For physic nut seedlings (Jatropha curcas L.), incorporating a dose of 6.68 kg m-3 into the substrate led to increased height, stem diameter, leaf area and total biomass (Evangelista et al. 2016EVANGELISTA, A. W. P.; VIEIRA, M. A.; ALVES JÚNIOR, J.; BRASIL, E. P. F.; CASAROLI, D. Seedling production of Jatropha curcas L. in substrates fertilized with Lithothamnion. Bioscience Journal, v. 32, n. 1, p. 132-139, 2016.). In the case of sweet passion fruit seedlings (Passiflora alata C.), adding 2 kg m-3 to the substrate led to increased shoot growth (Souza et al. 2007SOUZA, H. A.; MENDONÇA, V.; RAMOS, J. D.; FERREIRA, A. E.; ALENCAR, R. D. Doses de Lithothamnion e diferentes substratos na produção de mudas de maracujazeiro ‘Doce’. Revista Caatinga, v. 20, n. 4, p. 23-30, 2007.). For Japanese quince seedlings [Chaenomoles senensis (Koehne)], the optimal dose was found to be 5 kg m-3 (Sabino et al. 2013SABINO, P. H. de S.; CUNHA NETO, F. R. de; FILGUEIRAS, C. C.; ALVARENGA, A. A. Utilização de Lithothamnion na produção de mudas porta-enxerto do marmeleiro japonês Chaenomoles senensis (Koehne) (Rosales: Rosaceae). Revista de Agricultura, v. 88, n. 3, p. 191-198, 2013.). For Cleóprata mandarin seedlings (Citrus reshni Hort ex Tan.), the optimum dose was determined to be 5 kg m-3 (Cruz et al. 2008CRUZ, M. do C. M. da; HAFLE, O. M.; RAMOS, J. D.; RAMOS, P. de S. Desenvolvimento do porta-enxerto de tangerineira ‘Cleópatra’. Revista Brasileira de Fruticultura, v. 30, n. 2, p. 471-475, 2008.). Lithothamnion sp. also exhibited genotypic effects on papaya seedlings (Carica papaya L.). The Formosa group showed a favorable response at 2 kg m-3 (Teixeira et al. 2009TEIXEIRA, G. A.; SOUZA, H. A.; MENDONÇA, V.; RAMOS, J. D.; CHALFUN, N. N. J.; FERREIRA, E. A.; MELO, P. C. de. Produção de mudas de mamoeiro ‘Formosa’ em substratos com doses de Lithothamnion. Revista da FZVA, v. 16, n. 2, p. 220-229, 2009.), while the Solo group benefited from a dose of 3 kg m-3 (Hafle et al. 2009HAFLE, O. M.; SANTOS, V. A. dos; RAMOS, J. D.; CRUZ, M. do C. M. da; MELO, P. C. de. Produção de mudas de mamoeiro utilizando bokashi e Lithothamnion. Revista Brasileira de Fruticultura, v. 31, n. 1, p. 245-251, 2009.).

The interaction with the substrate plays a crucial role in the Lithothamnion sp. effects. The application of 5.25 kg m-3 of Lithothamnion sp., when combined with cattle manure, resulted in increased root growth and height of Arabica coffee seedlings (Coffea arabica L.). A similar effect was observed with 1.75 kg m-3 of Lithothamnion sp. when combined with filter cake (Rodriguez et al. 2017RODRIGUEZ, W. D. M.; EVANGELISTA, A. W. P.; ALVES JÚNIOR, J.; HONORATO, M. V. Growing of coffee seedlings on different substrates and fertilized with Lithothamium. Revista Facultad Nacional de Agronomía de Medellin, v. 70, n. 2, p. 8177-8182, 2017.). Furthermore, the initial growth of Swingle citrumelo seedlings (Citrus paradisi Mac × Poncirus trifoliata L. Raf.) was enhanced with the addition of Lithothamnion sp. at the concentration of 5 (v:v), depending on the substrate composition (Araújo et al. 2007ARAÚJO, P. O. de L. e C.; GONÇALVES, F. C.; RAMOS, J. D.; CHALFUN, N. N. J.; CARVALHO, G. J. Crescimento e percentual de emergência de plântulas de citrumeleiro swingle em função dos substratos e das doses de corretivo à base de Lithothamnion, após cem dias da semeadura. Ciência e Agrotecnologia, v. 31, n. 4, p. 982-988, 2007.).

Another application in seedling production is for the acidity correction, attributed to its calcium and magnesium carbonate contents. The incorporation of Lithothamnion sp. at a dosage 1.4 times higher than the conventional recommendation through the base saturation method led to an increased total dry mass in passion fruit (Passiflora alata C.) (Souza et al. 2009SOUZA, H. A.; RAMOS, J. D.; MELO, P. C. de.; HAFLE, O. M.; RODIGUES, H. C. de A.; SANTOS, V. A. dos. Avaliação de doses e produtos corretores da acidez em variáveis biométricas na produção de mudas de maracujazeiro. Acta Scientiarum Agronomy, v. 31, n. 4, p. 607-612, 2009.).

A promising path for further research is the use of Lithothamnion sp. in seedlings propagated from cuttings. While the auxinic bioactivity of Lithothamnion sp. has been confirmed (Amatussi et al. 2020AMATUSSI, J. O.; MÓGOR, A. F.; MÓGOR, G.; LARA, G. B. de. Novel use of calcareous algae as a plant biostimulant. Journal of Applied Phycology, v. 32, n. 3, p. 2023-2030, 2020.), few studies have specifically focused on its use in seedlings propagated from cuttings. This gap presents numerous opportunities to delve into its potential within this propagation method.

The application of Lithothamnion sp. to agricultural crops has shown significant and diverse effects consistent with the definition of biostimulants. The dose-dependent response is evident, similar to other algal species (Kapoore et al. 2021KAPOORE, R. V.; WOOD, E. E.; LLEWELLYN, C. A. Algae biostimulants: a critical look at microalgal biostimulants for sustainable agricultural practices. Biotechnology Advances, v. 49, e107754, 2021.). The application method varies: it can be incorporated into the soil or applied as foliar sprays. For the latter, Lithothamnion sp. is used in its micronized form.

Adding Lithothamnion sp. to soil enhances plant growth and boosts sweet pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) yield (Evangelista et al. 2016EVANGELISTA, A. W. P.; VIEIRA, M. A.; ALVES JÚNIOR, J.; BRASIL, E. P. F.; CASAROLI, D. Seedling production of Jatropha curcas L. in substrates fertilized with Lithothamnion. Bioscience Journal, v. 32, n. 1, p. 132-139, 2016.). When combined with poultry and cattle manure, there was a noticeable increase in red dragon fruit [Hylocereus undatus (Haw.) Britton & Rose] yield (Moreira et al. 2011MOREIRA, R. A.; RAMOS, J. D.; ARAÚJO, A. D. Produção e qualidade de frutos de pitaia-vermelha com adubação orgânica e granulado bioclástico. Revista Brasileira de Fruticultura, v. 33, n. 1, p. 762-766, 2011. and 2012bMOREIRA, R. A.; RAMOS, J. D.; ARAÚJO, N. A. de; MARQUES, V. B.; MELO, P. C. de. Produtividade e teores de nutrientes em cladódios de pitaia vermelha utilizando-se adubação orgânica e granulado bioclástico. Revista Brasileira de Ciências Agrárias, v. 7, suppl., p. 714-719, 2012b., Costa et al. 2015COSTA, A. C.; RAMOS, J. D.; SILVA, F. O. dos R.; MENEZES, T. P. de; MOREIRA, R. A.; DUARTE, M. H. Adubação orgânica e Lithothamnion no cultivo da pitaia vermelha. Ciências Agrárias, v. 36, n. 1, p. 77-88, 2015.). Improvements were also observed in height, leaf dry weight, stem dry weight and stem diameter for castor bean (Ricinus communis L.), sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) and radish (Raphanus sativus L.) (Evangelista et al. 2015EVANGELISTA, A. W. P.; ALVES JÚNIOR, J.; CASAROLI, D.; COSTA, R. R. de. Desenvolvimento inicial da mamoneira, girassol e nabo forrageiro adubados com Lithothamnion. Global Science and Technology, v. 8, n. 2, p. 40-48, 2015.).

The production quality can also be improved when Lithothamnion sp. is incorporated into the soil, especially when combined with the practice of chemical thinning using 600 mg L-1 of Ethephon in the cultivation of pokan tangerine (Citrus reticulata Blanco), resulting in an increase in both fruit size and soluble solids content (Moreira et al. 2012aMOREIRA, R. A.; RAMOS, J. D.; SILVA, F. O. dos R.; MENEZES, T. P. de; MELO, P. C. de. Granulado bioclástico associado ao raleio químico na produção e qualidade de tangerinas ponkan. Citrus Research & Technology, v. 33, n. 2, p. 81-90, 2012a.).

However, it is important to note that the dosage and interactions between system components can influence the results. Negative effects were observed on carrot (Daucus carota L.) yield when Lithothamnion sp. was used as a source of calcium and magnesium in combination with potassium (Rodrigues Neto et al. 2021RODRIGUES NETO, J.; PEREIRA, D. P.; TORRES, J. L. R.; CARVALHO, F. J.; CHARLO, H. C. O. Potassium sources and calcium and magnesium doses in carrot crop fertilization. Horticultura Brasileira, v. 39, n. 2, p. 127-132, 2021.). This result can be attributed to the high dosage used (200 kg ha-1). Previous studies and researches on other biostimulant algae suggest that growth stimuli are more effective when multiple doses of very low values are applied (Shukla et al. 2019SHUKLA, P. S.; MARTIN, E. G.; ADIL, M.; BAJPAI, S.; CRITCHLEY, A. T.; PRITHIVIRAJ, B. Ascophyllum nodosum-based biostimulants: sustainable applications in agriculture for the stimulation of plant growth, stress tolerance, and disease management. Frontiers in Plant Science, v. 10, e655, 2019.). Additionally, biostimulants should not be used as a substitute for mineral nutrients. Instead, they should complement fertilizers, aiming to enhance the efficiency of these fertilizers and reduce nutrient application rates (União Europeia 2019UNIãO EUROPEIA. Regulamento (UE) 2019/1009 do Parlamento Europeu e do Conselho de 5 de junho de 2019 relativo aos fertilizantes e que revoga os Regulamentos (CE) n.º 1069/2009 e (CE) n.º 1107/2009 do Parlamento Europeu e do Conselho e o Regulamento (CE) n.º 2003/2003 do Parlamento Europeu e do Conselho e os Regulamentos (CE) n.º 282/2004 e (CE) n.º 1099/2009 do Conselho. 2019. Available at: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/PT/TXT/?uri=celex%3A02019R1009-20221003. Access on: Aug. 04, 2023.
https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/...
).

The soil acidity correction in agricultural crops is another significant application of Lithothamnion sp., owing to its content of calcium and magnesium carbonate. When applied at a base saturation below 70 %, it promoted increased bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) yield (Melo & Furtini Neto 2003MELO, P. C.; FURTINI NETO, A. E. Avaliação do Lithothamnion como corretivo da acidez do solo e fonte de nutrientes para o feijoeiro. Ciência e Agrotecnologia, v. 27, n. 3, p. 508-519, 2003.). Similar results were observed in maize (Zea mays L.) at 70 % base saturation, in which case there was a rise in shoot dry mass (Chaves et al. 2022CHAVES, H. S.; GALDINO, G. C.; SANTIAGO, T. de S.; OLIVEIRA NETO, C. F. de; MARIANO, D. de C.; OKUMURA, R. S. Níveis de saturação por bases e corretivos da acidez do solo no desenvolvimento do milho. In: REDIN, E. (org.). Ciências rurais em foco. Belo Horizonte: Poisson, 2022. p. 35-39.).

There are few studies on the effects of Lithothamnion sp. in enhancing nutritional efficiency. This aspect requires further investigation, especially since one anticipated benefit of biostimulants is improved nutrient use efficiency (Ricci et al. 2019RICCI, M.; TILBURY, L.; DARIDON, B.; SUKALAC, K. General principles to justify plant biostimulant claims. Frontiers in Plant Science, v. 10, e494, 2019.). Only one study was found that examined maize’s ability to improve nitrogen absorption using urea as source. However, there were no significant effects observed when using doses of 27, 44 and 53 kg ha-1 of Lithothamnion sp. applied to the soil (Bernardes et al. 2016BERNARDES, R. F. B.; CARDOSO, A. F.; BERNARDES, M. H. D.; LANA, R. M. Q. Establishment of DRIS indices and foliar nutrient levels for corn plants fertilized with various nitrogen doses and source materials associated with marine alga Lithothamnion. Scientific Electronic Archives, v. 9, n. 4, p. 26-33, 2016.).

With foliar application, Lithothamnion sp. enhances plant development, yield and product quality, influencing various physiological and biochemical characteristics. Weekly foliar applications of Lithothamnion sp. nanoparticles in melon (Cucumis melo L.) cultivation resulted in increased shoot and root biomass (Negreiros et al. 2019NEGREIROS, A. M. P.; SALES JÚNIOR, R.; MAIA JÚNIOR, F. F.; SILVA, R. B.; COSTA, J. A. P.; MEDEIROS, E. V. Lithothamnion calcareum nanoparticles increase growth of melon plants. Notulae Botanicae Horti Agrobotanici Cluj-Napoca, v. 47, n. 2, p. 426-431, 2019.). Similarly, weekly foliar sprays with micronized Lithothamnion sp. boosted the growth of both the shoot and roots of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) plants. This treatment also raised the levels of total free amino acids and sugars in the leaves and roots, increased the protein content in the leaves and augmented the sugar levels in the fruits (Amatussi et al. 2020AMATUSSI, J. O.; MÓGOR, A. F.; MÓGOR, G.; LARA, G. B. de. Novel use of calcareous algae as a plant biostimulant. Journal of Applied Phycology, v. 32, n. 3, p. 2023-2030, 2020.).

The induction of root development, yield characteristics and biochemical parameters (Amatussi et al. 2020AMATUSSI, J. O.; MÓGOR, A. F.; MÓGOR, G.; LARA, G. B. de. Novel use of calcareous algae as a plant biostimulant. Journal of Applied Phycology, v. 32, n. 3, p. 2023-2030, 2020.) have been demonstrated in the cultivation of onion (Allium cepa L.) using micronized Lithothamnion sp. with foliar application, both independently (Mógor et al. 2021MÓGOR, A. F.; AMATUSSI, J. O.; MÓGOR, G.; GEMIN, L. G. Biostimulant action of Lithothamnion sp. promoting growth, yield, and biochemical and chemical changes on onion. Journal of Applied Phycology, v. 33, n. 3, p. 1905-1913, 2021.) and in combination with the Arthrospira platensis cyanobacterium (Amatussi et al. 2023AMATUSSI, J. O.; MÓGOR, A. F.; CORDEIRO, E. C. N.; MÓGOR, G.; MARQUES, H. M. C.; LARA, G. B. de. Synergic combination of calcareous algae and cyanobacteria stimulate metabolic alterations improving plant growth and yield. Journal of Applied Phycology, v. 35, n. 1, p. 483-493, 2023.).

The foliar application of a commercial product containing Lithothamnion sp. led to an increase in the foliar levels of the boron and copper micronutrients in grape (Vitis vinifera L.) (Carvalho et al. 2019CARVALHO, R. P.; PASQUAL, M.; SILVEIRA, H. R. de O.; MELO, P. C. de; BISPO, D. F. A.; LAREDO, R. R.; LIMA, L. de A. S. “Niágara Rosada” table grape cultivated with seaweed extracts: physiological, nutritional, and yielding behavior. Journal of Applied Phycology, v. 31, n. 3, p. 2053-2064, 2019.). This result suggests a biostimulant effect of Lithothamnion sp. on improved nutrient absorption. However, further studies are needed to identify the underlying mechanisms and interactions with other minerals.

The association of Lithothamnion sp. foliar application with water-soluble nutrients and free amino acids enhanced the commercial quality of Kent mangoes (Mangifera indica L.), leading to a reduced seasonality and, consequently, increased yield (Lobo et al. 2019LOBO, J. T.; SOUSA, K. dos S. M. de.; PAIVA NETO, V. B. de; PEREIRA, R. N.; SILVA, L. dos S.; CAVALCANTE, I. H. L. Biostimulants on fruit yield and quality of mango cv. Kent grown in semiarid. Journal of the American Pomological Society, v. 73, n. 3, p. 152-160, 2019.). Foliar applications of a commercial product containing 70 % of Lithothamnion sp. resulted in a 20 % increase in the Palmer mango yield (Simões et al. 2022SIMÕES, W. L.; SILVA, J. L.; MOUCO, M. A. C.; OLIVEIRA, C. P. M. de; SILVA, D. J.; OLIVEIRA, F. F. Marine calcium application on ‘Palmer’ mango production. Agriambi, v. 26, n. 8, p. 618-623, 2022.). Both studies involving mangoes indicate that the effects are contingent upon the dosage and climatic conditions. Many factors can influence the performance of a biostimulant in the field (Ricci et al. 2019RICCI, M.; TILBURY, L.; DARIDON, B.; SUKALAC, K. General principles to justify plant biostimulant claims. Frontiers in Plant Science, v. 10, e494, 2019.). These results further confirm the biostimulant effect of Lithothamnion sp.

The mechanisms by which Lithothamnion sp. exerts biostimulant effects on plants remain poorly understood. An auxinic effect was observed following the application of 1.76 g L-1 of micronized Lithothamnion sp. to the roots of Vigna radiata L. This effect is attributed to the presence of 31.36 µg L-1 of humic acids (Amatussi et al. 2020AMATUSSI, J. O.; MÓGOR, A. F.; MÓGOR, G.; LARA, G. B. de. Novel use of calcareous algae as a plant biostimulant. Journal of Applied Phycology, v. 32, n. 3, p. 2023-2030, 2020.). These results elucidate the pronounced rhizogenesis-inducing effect observed in several species of agronomic significance, as previously discussed in this article.

Foliar applications of a commercial product containing Lithothamnion sp. led to increased photosynthetic rates, transpiration, stomatal conductance, water-use efficiency, carboxylation efficiency and chlorophyll content in grape (Vitis vinifera L.) (Carvalho et al. 2019CARVALHO, R. P.; PASQUAL, M.; SILVEIRA, H. R. de O.; MELO, P. C. de; BISPO, D. F. A.; LAREDO, R. R.; LIMA, L. de A. S. “Niágara Rosada” table grape cultivated with seaweed extracts: physiological, nutritional, and yielding behavior. Journal of Applied Phycology, v. 31, n. 3, p. 2053-2064, 2019.). These results elucidate the stimulatory effects observed on the growth and yield of several species discussed in this article.

The biostimulant effects of Lithothamnion sp. on inducing tolerance to abiotic stress have been poorly studied. However, it has been shown to enhance yield, sucrose content and fiber in sugarcane (Saccharum sp. L.), when used in conjunction with vinasse, both in rainfed and irrigated cultivation (Rodriguez et al. 2018RODRIGUEZ, W. D. M.; EVANGELISTA, A. W. P.; ALVES JÚNIOR, J.; LEANDRO, W. M.; DOMINGOS, M. V. H.; CASAROLI, D. Lithothamnion e vinhaça na produção de cana-de-açúcar orgânica irrigada e de sequeiro. Irriga, v. 23, n. 2, p. 390-401, 2018.). These results demonstrate improved water-use efficiency in sugarcane, similarly to observations made regarding photosynthetic parameters in grape (Vitis vinifera L.) (Carvalho et al. 2019CARVALHO, R. P.; PASQUAL, M.; SILVEIRA, H. R. de O.; MELO, P. C. de; BISPO, D. F. A.; LAREDO, R. R.; LIMA, L. de A. S. “Niágara Rosada” table grape cultivated with seaweed extracts: physiological, nutritional, and yielding behavior. Journal of Applied Phycology, v. 31, n. 3, p. 2053-2064, 2019.).

While the role of inducing plant defenses against biotic stresses has been excluded from the definition of biostimulants, specifically to differentiate them from pesticides (Du Jardin 2015DU JARDIN, P. Plant biostimulants: definition, concept, main categories and regulation. Scientia Horticulturae, v. 196, n. 1, p. 3-14, 2015.), they function to alleviate the negative impacts of both biotic and abiotic stresses on plants through various mechanisms (molecular alterations, physiological, biochemical and anatomical modulations) (Del Buono 2021DEL BUONO, D. Can biostimulants be used to mitigate the effect of anthropogenic climate change on agriculture?: it is time to respond. Science of the Total Environment, v. 751, e141763, 2021.). Lithothamnion sp., when combined with rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.), has been shown to enhance the production of phytoalexins in bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) and soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merrill] (Faria et al. 2022FARIA, V. de O.; RIBEIRO, L. L. O.; GODINHO, B. F.; SILVEIRA, B. B. de; SIMON, M. V.; STANGARLIN, J. R. Potencial indutor de fitoalexinas em feijão e soja por formulado a base de alecrim + Lithothamnion. Revista Ambientale, v. 14, n. 2, p. 1-9, 2022.), demonstrating its potential as a defense mechanism inducer.

The application of Lithothamnion sp. has been shown to stimulate the accumulation of root biomass in agricultural crops such as peppers, Arabica coffee and onion. Furthermore, it stimulates the accumulation of shoot biomass in papaya, castor bean, sunflower, forage turnip, pepper, melon, tomato, bean and maize. Additionally, it enhances yield and quality in pepper, red dragon fruit, pokan tangerine, sugarcane, tomato, onion, mango and bean. It also impacts physiological rates in grape and acts as a resistance inducer in soybean and bean. The biostimulating effects of Lithothamnion sp. on agricultural plants are dose-dependent (Table 2).

Table 2
Results from Lithothamnion sp. according to dose and species.

Lithothamnion sp. is a calcareous alga that belongs to the red algae group. Its mineral composition and humic substance content vary based on the extraction location. Consequently, commercial products derived from it have differences among them, which can result in varied responses when stimulating plants. However, no studies have been conducted comparing the effects of these different commercial products.

The Lithothamnion sp. potential for agricultural use has been demonstrated in seedling production and in the cultivation of horticultural, fruit, oilseed, grain and forage species. However, its application needs to be extended to various plant species.

The Lithothamnion sp. biostimulant role as an inducer of plant development was observed in species such as papaya and Arabica coffee, enhancing the growth of both the plant parts and roots. This effect was also observed in jatropha, citromelo, quince, sweet pepper, melon and tomato, in which it increased the total biomass. Additionally, Lithothamnion sp. has been shown to improve the production quality, boosting both the yield and quality of pepper, mango, bean, onion, dragon fruit, tangerine and sugarcane. It also enhances the accumulation of amino acids, proteins and carbohydrates in vegetable products, notably in tomato and onion.

Additionally, it increases the tolerance to water stress in sugarcane cultivation and enhances the water-use efficiency in hose irrigation. However, its effects need to be verified for other species and need to be further investigated for inducing tolerance to other abiotic stresses.

Studies confirming the enhanced efficiency of nutrient use still need to be conducted, even though a higher accumulation of boron and copper in vine leaves has already been demonstrated (Carvalho et al. 2019CARVALHO, R. P.; PASQUAL, M.; SILVEIRA, H. R. de O.; MELO, P. C. de; BISPO, D. F. A.; LAREDO, R. R.; LIMA, L. de A. S. “Niágara Rosada” table grape cultivated with seaweed extracts: physiological, nutritional, and yielding behavior. Journal of Applied Phycology, v. 31, n. 3, p. 2053-2064, 2019.). No research has been identified concerning the availability of nutrients confined in the soil or rhizosphere. Therefore, the biostimulant effect of Lithothamnion sp. pertaining the reduction of nutrient use remains to be verified.

While the ability to induce tolerance to biotic stress is not included in the definition of biostimulants, it has been demonstrated that Lithothamnion sp. promotes the accumulation of phytoalexins in bean and soybean (Faria et al. 2022FARIA, V. de O.; RIBEIRO, L. L. O.; GODINHO, B. F.; SILVEIRA, B. B. de; SIMON, M. V.; STANGARLIN, J. R. Potencial indutor de fitoalexinas em feijão e soja por formulado a base de alecrim + Lithothamnion. Revista Ambientale, v. 14, n. 2, p. 1-9, 2022.). However, no study has yet confirmed its effect on reducing pests and diseases in agricultural crops.

Research has shown that the effectiveness of these biostimulants depends on dosage, methods and intervals of application, particle size, type of crop, genotype, phenological stages and interactions with other biostimulant molecules (Amatussi et al. 2020AMATUSSI, J. O.; MÓGOR, A. F.; MÓGOR, G.; LARA, G. B. de. Novel use of calcareous algae as a plant biostimulant. Journal of Applied Phycology, v. 32, n. 3, p. 2023-2030, 2020. and 2023AMATUSSI, J. O.; MÓGOR, A. F.; CORDEIRO, E. C. N.; MÓGOR, G.; MARQUES, H. M. C.; LARA, G. B. de. Synergic combination of calcareous algae and cyanobacteria stimulate metabolic alterations improving plant growth and yield. Journal of Applied Phycology, v. 35, n. 1, p. 483-493, 2023.). Given this wide array of potential effects, types of crops and cultivation conditions, it is imperative to extend field research. This will help to develop technical recommendations suitable for various agricultural systems and plant species of agronomic significance.

The mechanisms through which Lithothamnion sp. promotes plant development have not been extensively researched. However, there is evidence to support an increase in photosynthesis and an auxinic effect related to the stimulation of root growth. It is thus proposed that future studies should elucidate the physiological mechanisms underlying the response to Lithothamnion sp., as well as validate its effects on reducing environmental stress.

Future studies should also identify the bioactive effects of products containing Lithothamnion sp., excluding the mineral fraction, to demonstrate the effects of the seaweed’s organic fraction alone.

Additionally, it is recommend to broadening the phycology research in the field for the identification of Lithothamnion species and to investigate the environmental sustainability aspects of their commercial exploitation.

REFERENCES

  • ALGAEBASE. Taxonomy browser 2023. Available at: https://www.algaebase.org Access on: Aug. 03, 2023.
    » https://www.algaebase.org
  • AMADO-FILHO, G. M.; MOURA, R. L.; BASTOS, A. C.; SALGADO, L. T.; SUMIDA, P. Y.; GUTH, A. Z.; FRANCINE-FILHO, R. B.; PEREIRA-FILHO, G. H.; ABRANTES, D. P.; SILVA BRASILEIRO, P.; BAHIA, R. G.; LEAL, R. N.; KAUFMAN, L.; KLEYPAS, J. A.; FARINA, M.; THOMPSON, F. L. Rhodolith beds are major CaCO3 bio-factories in the tropical south west Atlantic. Plos One, v. 7, n. 4, p. 1-6, 2012.
  • AMADO-FILHO, G. M.; MANEVELDT, G. W.; PEREIRA-FILHO, G. H.; MANSO, R. C. C.; BAHIA, R. G.; BARROS-BARRETO, M. B.; GUIMARÃES, S. M. P. B. Seaweed diversity associated with a Brazilian tropical rhodolith bed. Ciencias Marinas, v. 36, n. 4, p. 371-391, 2010.
  • AMATUSSI, J. O.; MÓGOR, A. F.; MÓGOR, G.; LARA, G. B. de. Novel use of calcareous algae as a plant biostimulant. Journal of Applied Phycology, v. 32, n. 3, p. 2023-2030, 2020.
  • AMATUSSI, J. O.; MÓGOR, A. F.; CORDEIRO, E. C. N.; MÓGOR, G.; MARQUES, H. M. C.; LARA, G. B. de. Synergic combination of calcareous algae and cyanobacteria stimulate metabolic alterations improving plant growth and yield. Journal of Applied Phycology, v. 35, n. 1, p. 483-493, 2023.
  • ARAÚJO, P. O. de L. e C.; GONÇALVES, F. C.; RAMOS, J. D.; CHALFUN, N. N. J.; CARVALHO, G. J. Crescimento e percentual de emergência de plântulas de citrumeleiro swingle em função dos substratos e das doses de corretivo à base de Lithothamnion, após cem dias da semeadura. Ciência e Agrotecnologia, v. 31, n. 4, p. 982-988, 2007.
  • BERNARD, G.; ROMERO-RAMIREZ, A.; TAURAN, A.; PANTALOS, M.; DEFLANDRE, B.; GRALL, J.; GRÉMARE, A. Declining maerl vitality and habitat complexity across a dredging gradient: insights from in situ sediment profile imagery (SPI). Scientific Reports, v. 9, n. 1, e16463, 2019.
  • BERNARDES, R. F. B.; CARDOSO, A. F.; BERNARDES, M. H. D.; LANA, R. M. Q. Establishment of DRIS indices and foliar nutrient levels for corn plants fertilized with various nitrogen doses and source materials associated with marine alga Lithothamnion. Scientific Electronic Archives, v. 9, n. 4, p. 26-33, 2016.
  • BRASIL. Instrução Normativa Nº 61, de 8 de julho de 2020. Estabelece as regras sobre definições, exigências, especificações, garantias, tolerâncias, registro, embalagem e rotulagem dos fertilizantes orgânicos e dos biofertilizantes, destinados à agricultura. Diário Oficial da União, Brasília, DF, seção 1, n. 134, p. 5, 15 jul. 2020a.
  • BRASIL. Decreto Nº 10.375, de 26 de maio de 2020. Institui o Programa Nacional de Bioinsumos e o Conselho Estratégico do Programa Nacional de Bioinsumos. Diário Oficial da União, Brasília, DF, seção 1, n. 100, p. 105, 27 maio 2020b.
  • BRASIL. Instrução Normativa Nº 39, de 8 de agosto de 2018. Estabelece as regras sobre definições, exigências, especificações, garantias, registro de produto, autorizações, embalagem, rotulagem, documentos fiscais, propaganda e tolerâncias dos fertilizantes minerais destinados à agricultura. Diário Oficial da União, Brasília, DF, seção 1, n. 154, p. 19, 10 ago. 2018.
  • BRASIL. Ministério da Agricultura, Pecuária e Abastecimento. Manual de métodos analíticos oficiais para fertilizantes e corretivos Brasília, DF: MAPA, 2017.
  • CARNEIRO, P. B. de M.; LIMA, J. P. de; BANDEIRA, E. V. P.; XIMENES NETO, A. R.; BARREIRA, C. de A. R.; TÂMEGA, F. T. de S.; MATTHEWS-CASCON, H.; FRANKLIN JUNIOR, W.; MORAIS, J. O. de. Structure, growth and CaCO3 production in a shallow rhodolith bed from a highly energetic siliciclastic-carbonate coast in the equatorial SW Atlantic ocean. Marine Environmental Research, v. 166, e105280, 2021.
  • CARVALHO, R. P.; PASQUAL, M.; SILVEIRA, H. R. de O.; MELO, P. C. de; BISPO, D. F. A.; LAREDO, R. R.; LIMA, L. de A. S. Niágara Rosada” table grape cultivated with seaweed extracts: physiological, nutritional, and yielding behavior. Journal of Applied Phycology, v. 31, n. 3, p. 2053-2064, 2019.
  • CAVALHO, V. F.; ASSIS, J.; SERRÃO, E. A.; NUNES, J. M.; ANDERSON, A. B.; BATISTA, M. B.; BARUFI, J. B.; SILVA, J.; PEREIRA, S. M. B.; HORTA, P. A. Environmental drivers of rhodolith beds and epiphytes community along the south western Atlantic coast. Marine Environmental Research, v. 154, e104827, 2020.
  • CHAVES, H. S.; GALDINO, G. C.; SANTIAGO, T. de S.; OLIVEIRA NETO, C. F. de; MARIANO, D. de C.; OKUMURA, R. S. Níveis de saturação por bases e corretivos da acidez do solo no desenvolvimento do milho. In: REDIN, E. (org.). Ciências rurais em foco Belo Horizonte: Poisson, 2022. p. 35-39.
  • COSTA, A. C.; RAMOS, J. D.; SILVA, F. O. dos R.; MENEZES, T. P. de; MOREIRA, R. A.; DUARTE, M. H. Adubação orgânica e Lithothamnion no cultivo da pitaia vermelha. Ciências Agrárias, v. 36, n. 1, p. 77-88, 2015.
  • COSTA, I. A.; HORTA, P. A.; BERGSTROM, E. R.; NUNES, J. M. C. Taxonomic study of crustose coralline algae of the northeastern Brazilian coast. Phytotaxa, v. 190, n. 1, p. 130-161, 2014.
  • COUTINHO, L. M.; GOMES, F. P.; SISSINI, M. N.; VIEIRA-PINTO, T.; HENRIQUES, M. C. M. de O.; OLIVEIRA, M. C.; HORTA, P. A.; BARRETO, M. B. B. de B. Cryptic diversity in non-geniculate coralline algae: a new genus Roseolithon (Hapalidiales, Rhodophyta) and seven new species from the western Atlantic. European Journal of Phycology, v. 57, n. 2, p. 227-250, 2022.
  • CRUZ, M. do C. M. da; HAFLE, O. M.; RAMOS, J. D.; RAMOS, P. de S. Desenvolvimento do porta-enxerto de tangerineira ‘Cleópatra’. Revista Brasileira de Fruticultura, v. 30, n. 2, p. 471-475, 2008.
  • DEL BUONO, D. Can biostimulants be used to mitigate the effect of anthropogenic climate change on agriculture?: it is time to respond. Science of the Total Environment, v. 751, e141763, 2021.
  • DIAS, G. T. M. Granulados bioclásticos: algas calcárias. Revista Brasileira de Geofísica, v. 18, n. 3, p. 308-318, 2000.
  • DU JARDIN, P. Plant biostimulants: definition, concept, main categories and regulation. Scientia Horticulturae, v. 196, n. 1, p. 3-14, 2015.
  • UNIãO EUROPEIA. Regulamento (UE) 2019/1009 do Parlamento Europeu e do Conselho de 5 de junho de 2019 relativo aos fertilizantes e que revoga os Regulamentos (CE) n.º 1069/2009 e (CE) n.º 1107/2009 do Parlamento Europeu e do Conselho e o Regulamento (CE) n.º 2003/2003 do Parlamento Europeu e do Conselho e os Regulamentos (CE) n.º 282/2004 e (CE) n.º 1099/2009 do Conselho 2019. Available at: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/PT/TXT/?uri=celex%3A02019R1009-20221003 Access on: Aug. 04, 2023.
    » https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/PT/TXT/?uri=celex%3A02019R1009-20221003
  • EVANGELISTA, A. W. P.; ALVES JÚNIOR, J.; CASAROLI, D.; COSTA, R. R. de. Desenvolvimento inicial da mamoneira, girassol e nabo forrageiro adubados com Lithothamnion. Global Science and Technology, v. 8, n. 2, p. 40-48, 2015.
  • EVANGELISTA, A. W. P.; VIEIRA, M. A.; ALVES JÚNIOR, J.; BRASIL, E. P. F.; CASAROLI, D. Seedling production of Jatropha curcas L. in substrates fertilized with Lithothamnion. Bioscience Journal, v. 32, n. 1, p. 132-139, 2016.
  • FARIA, V. de O.; RIBEIRO, L. L. O.; GODINHO, B. F.; SILVEIRA, B. B. de; SIMON, M. V.; STANGARLIN, J. R. Potencial indutor de fitoalexinas em feijão e soja por formulado a base de alecrim + Lithothamnion. Revista Ambientale, v. 14, n. 2, p. 1-9, 2022.
  • FOSTER, M. S. Rhodoliths: between rocks and soft places. Journal of Phycology, v. 37, n. 5, p. 659-667, 2001.
  • FRAGKOPOULOU, E.; SERRÃO, E. A.; HORTA, P. A.; KOERICH, G.; ASSIS, J. Bottom trawling threatens future climate refugia of rhodoliths globally. Frontiers in Marine Science, v. 7, e594537, 2021.
  • GÓMEZ-MATOS, M.; MARTÍNEZ-BALMORI, D.; COLL-GARCIA, Y. Alginato y sus oligosacáridos a partir de algas pardas de arribazón: preparación y bioactividad agrícola: una revision. Revista Cubana de Química, v. 35, n. 1, p. 46-67, 2023.
  • HAFLE, O. M.; SANTOS, V. A. dos; RAMOS, J. D.; CRUZ, M. do C. M. da; MELO, P. C. de. Produção de mudas de mamoeiro utilizando bokashi e Lithothamnion. Revista Brasileira de Fruticultura, v. 31, n. 1, p. 245-251, 2009.
  • HAGEN, S. R.; FROST, B.; AUGUSTIN, J. Precolumn phenylsothiocyanate derivatizacion and liquid-chromatography of amino-acids in food. Journal of the Association of Official Analytical Chemists, v. 72, n. 6, p. 912-197, 1989.
  • HELIAS, M.; BUREL, T. Maerl-associated macroalgae in the bay of Brest (Brittany, France). Marine Biodiversity, v. 53, n. 1, e14, 2023.
  • HURTADO, A.; SELGAS, R.; SERRANO-AROCA, A. El alginato y sus inmensas aplicaciones industriales. Nereis, n. 12, p. 137-149, 2020.
  • INGRASSIA, M.; PIERDOMENICO, M.; CASALBORE, D.; FALESE, F. G.; CHIOCCI, F. L. A review of rhodolith/maerl beds of the Italian seas. Diversity, v. 15, n. 7, e859, 2023.
  • KAPOORE, R. V.; WOOD, E. E.; LLEWELLYN, C. A. Algae biostimulants: a critical look at microalgal biostimulants for sustainable agricultural practices. Biotechnology Advances, v. 49, e107754, 2021.
  • LOBO, J. T.; SOUSA, K. dos S. M. de.; PAIVA NETO, V. B. de; PEREIRA, R. N.; SILVA, L. dos S.; CAVALCANTE, I. H. L. Biostimulants on fruit yield and quality of mango cv. Kent grown in semiarid. Journal of the American Pomological Society, v. 73, n. 3, p. 152-160, 2019.
  • MALHI, G. S.; KAUR, M.; KAUSHIK, P. Impact of climate change on agriculture and its mitigation strategies: a review. Sustainability, v. 13, n. 3, e1318, 2021.
  • MELO, P. C.; FURTINI NETO, A. E. Avaliação do Lithothamnion como corretivo da acidez do solo e fonte de nutrientes para o feijoeiro. Ciência e Agrotecnologia, v. 27, n. 3, p. 508-519, 2003.
  • MÓGOR, A. F.; AMATUSSI, J. O.; MÓGOR, G.; GEMIN, L. G. Biostimulant action of Lithothamnion sp. promoting growth, yield, and biochemical and chemical changes on onion. Journal of Applied Phycology, v. 33, n. 3, p. 1905-1913, 2021.
  • MOREIRA, R. A.; RAMOS, J. D.; SILVA, F. O. dos R.; MENEZES, T. P. de; MELO, P. C. de. Granulado bioclástico associado ao raleio químico na produção e qualidade de tangerinas ponkan. Citrus Research & Technology, v. 33, n. 2, p. 81-90, 2012a.
  • MOREIRA, R. A.; RAMOS, J. D.; ARAÚJO, A. D. Produção e qualidade de frutos de pitaia-vermelha com adubação orgânica e granulado bioclástico. Revista Brasileira de Fruticultura, v. 33, n. 1, p. 762-766, 2011.
  • MOREIRA, R. A.; RAMOS, J. D.; ARAÚJO, N. A. de; MARQUES, V. B.; MELO, P. C. de. Produtividade e teores de nutrientes em cladódios de pitaia vermelha utilizando-se adubação orgânica e granulado bioclástico. Revista Brasileira de Ciências Agrárias, v. 7, suppl., p. 714-719, 2012b.
  • MOURA, R. L.; AMADO-FILHO, G. M.; MORAES, F. C.; SILVA BRASILEIRO, P.; SALOMON, P. S.; MAHIQUES, M. M.; BASTOS, A. C.; ALMEIDA, M. G.; SILVA JÚNIOR, J. M.; ARAUJO, B. F.; BRITO, F. P.; RANGEL, T. P.; OLIVEIRA, B. C. V.; BAHIA, R. G.; PARANHOS, R. P.; DIAS, R. J. S.; SIEGLE, E.; FIGUEIREDO JÚNIOR, A. G.; PEREIRA, R. C.; LEAL, C. V.; HAJDU, E.; ASP, N. E.; GREGORACCI, G. B.; NEUMANN-LEITÃO, S.; YAGER, P. L.; FRANCINI-FILHO, R. B.; FRÓES, A.; CAMPEÃO, M.; SILVA. B. S.; MOREIRA, A. P. B.; OLIVEIRA, L.; SOARES, A. C.; ARAUJO, L.; OLIVEIRA, N. L.; TEIXIERA, J. B.; VALLE, R. A. B.; THOMPSON, C. C.; REZENDE, C. E.; THOMPSON, F. L. An extensive reef system at the Amazon river mouth. Science Advances, v. 2, n. 4, e1501252, 2016.
  • NEGREIROS, A. M. P.; SALES JÚNIOR, R.; MAIA JÚNIOR, F. F.; SILVA, R. B.; COSTA, J. A. P.; MEDEIROS, E. V. Lithothamnion calcareum nanoparticles increase growth of melon plants. Notulae Botanicae Horti Agrobotanici Cluj-Napoca, v. 47, n. 2, p. 426-431, 2019.
  • PAIVA, S. V.; CARNEIRO, P. B. M.; GARCIA, T. M.; TAVARES, T. C. L.; PINHEIRO, L. de S.; XIMENES NETO, A. R.; MONTALVERNE, T. C.; SOARES, M. O. Marine carbonate mining in the southwestern Atlantic: current status, potential impacts, and conservation actions. Política Marítima, v. 148, e105435, 2023.
  • PEREIRA FILHO, G. H.; SHINTATE, G. S. I.; KITAHARA, M. V.; MOURA, R. L.; AMADO-FILHO, G. M.; BAHIA, R. G.; MORAES, F. C.; NEVES, L. M.; FRANCINI, C. L.; GIBRAN, F. Z.; MOTTA, F. S. The southernmost Atlantic coral reef is off the subtropical island of Queimada Grande (24 S), Brazil. Bulletin of Marine Science, v. 95, n. 2, p. 277-287, 2019.
  • RAUT, S. H.; GADANI, M. C. Comparative characterization study of plant based calcium versus synthetic calcium. International Journal of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Analysis, v. 8, n. 3, p. 134-140, 2021.
  • RAZA, A.; RAZZAQ, A.; MEHMOOD, S. S.; ZOU, X.; ZHANG, X.; LV, Y.; XU, J. Impact of climate change on crops adaptation and strategies to tackle its outcome: a review. Plants, v. 8, n. 2, e34, 2019.
  • RENDINA, F.; KALEB, S.; CARAGNANO, A.; FERRIGNO, F.; APPOLLONI, L.; DONNARUMMA, L.; RUSSO, G. F.; SANDULLI, R.; ROVIELLO, V.; FALACE, A. Distribution and characterization of deep rhodolith beds off the Campania coast (SW Italy, Mediterranean Sea). Plants, v. 9, e985, 2020.
  • RICCI, M.; TILBURY, L.; DARIDON, B.; SUKALAC, K. General principles to justify plant biostimulant claims. Frontiers in Plant Science, v. 10, e494, 2019.
  • RODRIGUES NETO, J.; PEREIRA, D. P.; TORRES, J. L. R.; CARVALHO, F. J.; CHARLO, H. C. O. Potassium sources and calcium and magnesium doses in carrot crop fertilization. Horticultura Brasileira, v. 39, n. 2, p. 127-132, 2021.
  • RODRIGUEZ, W. D. M.; EVANGELISTA, A. W. P.; ALVES JÚNIOR, J.; HONORATO, M. V. Growing of coffee seedlings on different substrates and fertilized with Lithothamium. Revista Facultad Nacional de Agronomía de Medellin, v. 70, n. 2, p. 8177-8182, 2017.
  • RODRIGUEZ, W. D. M.; EVANGELISTA, A. W. P.; ALVES JÚNIOR, J.; LEANDRO, W. M.; DOMINGOS, M. V. H.; CASAROLI, D. Lithothamnion e vinhaça na produção de cana-de-açúcar orgânica irrigada e de sequeiro. Irriga, v. 23, n. 2, p. 390-401, 2018.
  • SABINO, P. H. de S.; CUNHA NETO, F. R. de; FILGUEIRAS, C. C.; ALVARENGA, A. A. Utilização de Lithothamnion na produção de mudas porta-enxerto do marmeleiro japonês Chaenomoles senensis (Koehne) (Rosales: Rosaceae). Revista de Agricultura, v. 88, n. 3, p. 191-198, 2013.
  • SHUKLA, P. S.; MARTIN, E. G.; ADIL, M.; BAJPAI, S.; CRITCHLEY, A. T.; PRITHIVIRAJ, B. Ascophyllum nodosum-based biostimulants: sustainable applications in agriculture for the stimulation of plant growth, stress tolerance, and disease management. Frontiers in Plant Science, v. 10, e655, 2019.
  • SILVA, J. R. M.; OLIVEIRA, L. F. C. de; FRANCO, C. S.; OLIVEIRA, J. E. de; SILVERIO, B. B. Adsorption of metal ions in red marine algae Lithothamnion calcareum in the treatment of industrial effluents. Ambiente & Água, v. 16, n. 5, e2740, 2021.
  • SIMÕES, W. L.; SILVA, J. L.; MOUCO, M. A. C.; OLIVEIRA, C. P. M. de; SILVA, D. J.; OLIVEIRA, F. F. Marine calcium application on ‘Palmer’ mango production. Agriambi, v. 26, n. 8, p. 618-623, 2022.
  • SISSINI, M. N.; KOERICH, G.; BARROS-BARRETO, M. B. de; COUTINHO, L. M.; GOMES, F. P.; OLIVEIRA, W.; COSTA, I. A.; NUNES, J. M. de C.; HENRIQUES, M. C.; VIEIRA-PINTO, T.; TORRANO-SILVA, B. N.; OLIVEIRA, M. C.; GALL, L. L.; HORTA, P. A. Diversity, distribution, and environmental drivers of coralline red algae: the major reef builders in the southwestern Atlantic. Coral Reefs, v. 41, n. 3, p. 711-725, 2022.
  • SOUZA, H. A.; RAMOS, J. D.; MELO, P. C. de.; HAFLE, O. M.; RODIGUES, H. C. de A.; SANTOS, V. A. dos. Avaliação de doses e produtos corretores da acidez em variáveis biométricas na produção de mudas de maracujazeiro. Acta Scientiarum Agronomy, v. 31, n. 4, p. 607-612, 2009.
  • SOUZA, H. A.; MENDONÇA, V.; RAMOS, J. D.; FERREIRA, A. E.; ALENCAR, R. D. Doses de Lithothamnion e diferentes substratos na produção de mudas de maracujazeiro ‘Doce’. Revista Caatinga, v. 20, n. 4, p. 23-30, 2007.
  • SOUZA, K. G.; MARTINS, L. R. Recursos minerais marinhos: pesquisa, lavra e beneficiamento. Gravel, v. 6, n. 1, p. 99-124, 2008.
  • TATE, D. F. Determination of nitrogen in fertilizer by combustion: collaborative study. Journal of AOAC International, v. 77, n. 4, p. 829-839, 1994.
  • TEIXEIRA, G. A.; SOUZA, H. A.; MENDONÇA, V.; RAMOS, J. D.; CHALFUN, N. N. J.; FERREIRA, E. A.; MELO, P. C. de. Produção de mudas de mamoeiro ‘Formosa’ em substratos com doses de Lithothamnion. Revista da FZVA, v. 16, n. 2, p. 220-229, 2009.
  • TUYA, F.; SHUBERT, N.; AGUIRRE, J.; BASSO, D.; BASTOS, E. O.; BERCHEZ, F.; BERNADINO, A. F.; BOSCH, N. E.; BURDETT, H. L.; ESINO, F.; FERNÁNDEZ-GÁRCIA, C.; FRANCINI-FILHO, R. B.; GAGNON, P.; HALL-SPENCER, J. M.; HAROUN, R.; HOFMANN, L. C.; HORTA, P. A.; KAMENOS, N. A.; GALT, L. L.; MAGRIS, R. A.; TÂMEGA, F. T. S. Levelling-up rhodolith-bed science to address global-scale conservation challenges. Science of the Total Environment, v. 892, e164818, 2023.
  • VALE, N. F.; AMADO-FILHO, G. M.; BRAGA, J. C.; SILVA BRASILEIRO, P.; KAREZ, C. S.; MORAES, F. C.; BAHIA, R. G.; BASTOS, A. C.; MOURA, R. L. Structure and composition of rhodoliths from the Amazon river mouth, Brazil. Journal of South American Earth Sciences, v. 84, n. 1, p. 149-159, 2018.
  • VALE, N. F. L.; BRAGA, J. C.; BASTOS, A. C.; MORAES, F. C.; KAREZ, C. S.; BAHIA, R. G.; LEÃO, L. A.; PEREIRA, R. C.; AMADO-FILHO, G. M.; SALGADO, L. T. Structure and composition of rhodolith beds from the Sergipe-Alagoas basin (NE Brazil, southwestern Atlantic). Diversity, v. 14, e282, 2022.
  • VENEU, D. M.; SCHNEIDER, C. L.; MONTE, M. B. de M.; CUNHA, O. G. C.; YOKOYAMA, L. Cadmium removal by bioclastic granules (Lithothamnion calcareum): batch and fixed-bed column systems sorption studies. Environmental Technology, v. 39, n. 13, p. 1670-1681, 2018.
  • VENEU, D. M.; YOKOYAMA, L.; CUNHA, O. G. C.; SCHNEIDER, C. L.; MONTE, M. B. de M. Nickel sorption using bioclastic granules as a sorbent material: equilibrium, kinetic and characterization studies. Journal of Materials Research and Technology, v. 8, n. 1, p. 840-852, 2019.
  • WHITE, J.; HART, R. J.; FRY, J. C. An evaluation of the Walters pico-tag system for the amino-acid-analysis of food materials. Journal of Automatic Chemistry, v. 8, n. 4, p. 170-177, 1986.

Publication Dates

  • Publication in this collection
    10 Nov 2023
  • Date of issue
    2023

History

  • Received
    29 May 2023
  • Accepted
    31 July 2023
  • Published
    14 Sept 2023
Escola de Agronomia/UFG Caixa Postal 131 - Campus II, 74001-970 Goiânia-GO / Brasil, 55 62 3521-1552 - Goiânia - GO - Brazil
E-mail: revistapat.agro@ufg.br