El papel de los extractos de algas marinas como bioestimulantes para mitigar el estrés biótico y abiótico en los cultivos

The increasing incidence of biotic and abiotic stresses resulting from climate change poses critical challenges for agricultural sustainability, driving the search for efficient biotechnological alternatives. Among these, seaweed extracts are emerging as strategic inputs due to their ability to modulate physiological and biochemical responses in plants. The objective of this study was to analyze, through a critical review, the available scientific evidence on their role in mitigating stress in crops, delving into their mechanisms of action and their productive and qualitative impacts. The methodology consisted of a systematic search of high-impact databases, selecting original studies and reviews that addressed the composition, mode of action, and agronomic effects of these biostimulants. The results show that the complex matrix of bioactive compounds in algae—including polysaccharides, phytohormones, and antioxidants—regulates processes such as osmoprotection, antioxidant defense, hormonal induction, root improvement, and rhizosphere microbiota modulation, increasing yield, quality, and tolerance to adverse conditions. However, compositional variability and limited methodological standardization restrict their widespread application. In conclusion, the integration of seaweed extracts into agricultural management programs represents a promising tool for strengthening crop resilience, provided that progress is made in uniform protocols, field validation, and safety assessment.