Summary
This narrative review synthesises recent advances in understanding how seaweed-based biostimulants modulate plant growth, stress signalling, and nutrient uptake through genetic and biochemical pathways. The authors integrate findings from molecular biology, transcriptomics, and metabolomics literature whilst addressing the sustainability of seaweed harvesting and the regulatory landscape governing these products. The work aims to inform rational design of molecular priming technologies for improved crop performance under adverse environmental conditions.
UK applicability
Seaweed biostimulants are increasingly used in UK horticulture and organic farming contexts; this review's insights into molecular mechanisms and sustainability considerations are directly relevant to UK agricultural innovation and regulatory compliance. However, the review's focus on molecular mechanisms rather than field-scale outcomes in temperate climates means practitioner applicability depends on further translational research.
Key measures
Genetic and molecular pathways activated by seaweed extracts; transcriptomic and metabolomic responses; stress protection mechanisms (drought, salinity, extreme temperature, oxidative stress); nutrient uptake efficiency; regulatory frameworks for biostimulant classification and use
Outcomes reported
The review synthesises molecular and genetic mechanisms by which seaweed-based biostimulants modulate plant stress signalling, transcriptome reconfiguration, and metabolite adjustment. It also evaluates the sustainability of seaweed harvesting as a raw material source and examines the regulatory landscape for seaweed biostimulant products.
Topic tags
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