Beyond the bloom : Invasive seaweed Sargassum spp. as a catalyst for sustainable agriculture and blue economy — A multifaceted approach to biodegradable films, biostimulants, and carbon mitigation

Abstract

This study explores the valorization of Sargassum spp. for agricultural applications, focusing on the development of biodegradable bioplastics and biostimulants. Field trials demonstrated the effectiveness of Marine Symbiotic® Sargassum-derived biostimulant in distinct agricultural contexts. In the Dominican Republic, trials on pepper crops showed significant improvements, including a 33.26% increase in fruit weight, a 21.94% rise in fruit set percentage, a 45% higher yield under high-stress conditions, and a 48.42% reduction in fruit rejection compared to control.