Abstract
Both micro- and macroalgae have long been used to augment plant productivity and food production in various regions of the
world through their beneficial effects when applied to soils. Interactions of algae with the soil community undoubtedly are
complex and benefits are dependent on the crop and the local environmental conditions. This has resulted in much speculation
as to mechanisms involved as well as the validity of the results reported. It is now 60 years since the first commercial seaweed
extract was manufactured for agricultural use. These aqueous extracts allowed for the first time the direct application of
soluble seaweed constituents to specific plant organs such as leaves and roots. The earlier concept that benefits of seaweeds
and their extracts were due mainly to their manurial value or to their micronutrient suites is no longer tenable. Seaweeds
likewise have been used for millennia as fodder supplements to improve animal nutrition and productivity. Recent research
is focusing on their mode of action, specific health benefits, and the mechanisms of action in animals. Improved analytical
techniques and instrumentation coupled with the use of molecular genetic tools are establishing that seaweed extracts can
modify plant and animal responses at a fundamental level. It therefore seems appropriate to review key developments over the
years and to remark on novel findings. A new and exciting vista has opened for seaweed extracts in both plant and animal applications.
world through their beneficial effects when applied to soils. Interactions of algae with the soil community undoubtedly are
complex and benefits are dependent on the crop and the local environmental conditions. This has resulted in much speculation
as to mechanisms involved as well as the validity of the results reported. It is now 60 years since the first commercial seaweed
extract was manufactured for agricultural use. These aqueous extracts allowed for the first time the direct application of
soluble seaweed constituents to specific plant organs such as leaves and roots. The earlier concept that benefits of seaweeds
and their extracts were due mainly to their manurial value or to their micronutrient suites is no longer tenable. Seaweeds
likewise have been used for millennia as fodder supplements to improve animal nutrition and productivity. Recent research
is focusing on their mode of action, specific health benefits, and the mechanisms of action in animals. Improved analytical
techniques and instrumentation coupled with the use of molecular genetic tools are establishing that seaweed extracts can
modify plant and animal responses at a fundamental level. It therefore seems appropriate to review key developments over the
years and to remark on novel findings. A new and exciting vista has opened for seaweed extracts in both plant and animal applications.
- Content Type Journal Article
- DOI 10.1007/s10811-010-9560-4
- Authors
- James S. Craigie, Acadian Seaplants Limited 30 Brown Avenue Dartmouth Nova Scotia B3B 1X8 Canada
- Journal Journal of Applied Phycology
- Online ISSN 1573-5176
- Print ISSN 0921-8971
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