- The results of the MICROCLIMATT project confirm that microalgae bio stimulants are a productive and sustainable alternative for agriculture
- On February 23, the final webinar of the MICROCLIMATT project was held, presenting its results to more than 150 attendees
- MICROCLIMATT has largely achieved the main objectives of the innovative project
On February 23, the final webinar “MICROCLIMATT Operational Group: Microalgae for productive and sustainable agriculture” was held. The event, which involved the participation of more than 150 professionals from the agro-food sector, allowed for the presentation of the results and conclusions of this innovative project.
Today, climate change is one of the main challenges for agriculture and food production, as its consequences disrupt the fragile balance in which many crops develop. The risk is greater in Mediterranean countries, with Spain being one of the regions where 75% of its surface is already suffering from some degree of desertification.
Thermal stress and water scarcity cause abiotic stress in plants, leading to a physiological response; this allows them to protect themselves from this situation while reducing crop yields, impacting food production.
This issue is compounded by soil infertility as a result of the application of chemical agricultural inputs, which negatively affects agricultural production. Therefore, the aim is to employ innovative alternatives like biostimulants. Biostimulants are products that act on plant physiology in various ways, improving vigor, crop yield, and fruit quality. Microalgae are an excellent alternative for the production of biostimulants, not only for their numerous nutritional properties but also for fixing large amounts of CO2, contributing to combating climate change.
In this context, the GO MICROCLIMATT aims to test the effectiveness of microalgae biostimulants through demonstrative trials (phenotypic, physiological, and transcriptomic) in the fight against the effects of climate change on wheat and tomato. For this purpose, the increase in carbon fixation in soils and plant biomass, as well as the resistance of crops to water stress situations, have been evaluated.
During the final event, the project results were presented, showing the benefits of applying biostimulants in both crops. They reflect that microalgae biostimulants activate different improvement mechanisms in the plant, especially under climatically unfavorable conditions, validating the effectiveness of these innovative inputs on harvest productivity. Furthermore, the project has contributed to expanding knowledge on how these act on plants, from the gene to the harvest.
In conclusion, the major objectives of the project have largely been achieved by producing two optimal bio-stimulants based on microalgae and characterizing their effects on wheat and tomato crops. These results confirm the usefulness of microalgae-derived bio-stimulants as a promising alternative for productive and sustainable agriculture.
About AlgaEnergy
AlgaEnergy is a biotechnology-based company exclusively specialized in the microalgae sector. The company consolidates the deep existing knowledge in Spain in microalgae science, generated by universities and other research centers over the last five decades. With strong investment in R&D, it has positioned itself as the international reference in this field. AlgaEnergy’s mission is to develop and commercialize innovative, high-quality solutions based on microalgae, aimed at addressing specific needs in various industries.
About IBVF
The Institute of Plant Biochemistry and Photosynthesis (IBVF) is a Mixed Center of the University of Seville and CSIC, aimed at studying the biology of photosynthetic organisms responsible for the primary production of organic matter and oxygen in the biosphere. One uniqueness that distinguishes IBVF from other centers in the field of biotechnology and plant biology is its approach to studying phototropic biology in all its complexity, that is, by utilizing all types of photosynthetic organisms (cyanobacteria, microalgae, and plants). Scientific activity at IBVF focuses on the molecular and cellular biology of photosynthetic organisms, as well as on “omic” techniques (transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics) and large data analysis.
About CEBAS
The CEBAS-CSIC aims to contribute, through research, to generating the necessary knowledge to develop strategies for achieving the sustainability of fragile resources in semi-arid areas, managing them correctly and making it possible in that environment to develop quality agriculture and obtain healthy and safe plant foods. The research conducted will help address issues such as water scarcity, provide a better environment (reduction of greenhouse effect, conservation of soil and vegetation, as well as organic matter and carbon), thus ensuring sustainable, smart agriculture adapted to climate change, with the capacity to mitigate it.
About IMIDRA
The Madrid Institute for Rural, Agricultural and Food Research and Development (IMIDRA) is the public research organization of the Community of Madrid that conducts R&D and supports innovation in the primary sector and its associated industry. It has 8 estates and facilities to implement R&D, pilot projects, and demonstration activities, carry out analysis services, disseminate and showcase its results, provide training, and facilitate the transfer of R&D results. In MicroClimatt, it participates through the Department of Agro-Food R&D.
About ASAJA
Asaja (Young Farmers’ Agrarian Association) was created in 1989 as a result of the merger agreement between CNAG, CNJA, and UFADE. It is a professional agrarian organization in Spain, with over 850 offices spread across the national territory. It has a National Headquarters located in Madrid, 15 Regional Centers, 40 provincial offices, and 810 local offices, in addition to a permanent representation office in Brussels. Asaja is established for the representation, management, defense, and promotion of the professional interests of the agrarian sector in general and its member organizations with full legal personality and subject to strictly democratic principles. As a national organization with a general vocation, it integrates all branches of agrarian activity in its agricultural, livestock, forest management, environmental management, and hunting activity modalities. The national office comprises a technical department (each specialized in a specific area), a labor-tax department, a communication department, and a training department.
About BIOVEGEN-Plant Biotechnology Technological Platform
BIOVEGEN is a public-private partnership currently composed of 171 members (companies and research/technological centers) working on agbiotechnology innovation. The goal of BIOVEGEN is to promote R&D activities in collaboration between science and business, offer R&D management services, and facilitate the business development of its members through plant innovation. BIOVEGEN is supported by the Ministry of Science and Innovation.
“Content Responsible: MICROCLIMATT Operational Group”