Implementación de bioestimulantes a base de microalgas en la producción comercial de fresa.

The Costa Rican agricultural sector has been working on the implementation of processes to incorporate added value to crops. The bioeconomy seeks to impact the production, utilization, conservation and regeneration of biological resources, including the knowledge, science, technology and innovation related to these resources, to provide information, products, processes and services to all economic sectors, in order to move towards a sustainable economy [1]. Strawberry production is an economic activity that is developed in the northern part of the province of Cartago, generating sources of employment for the population [2]. Target Population: Because of the above, it contributes to domestic production and the generation of direct and indirect employment in the area and, at the same time, enhances its contribution to the food security of many households in Llano Grande de Cartago.

Background: At the Instituto Tecnológico de Costa Rica, the Microalgae Laboratory has developed research based on technologies that increase production in a sustainable manner, conserving the soil, improving the efficiency of nutrient absorption by plants, and reducing CO2 emissions. Research has made it possible to determine the doses, frequencies, and timing of application of biostimulants, as well as their compatibility with other food products [3].

Problem to be addressed: In recent years, strawberry cultivation has been affected by factors associated with climate change, leading to a greater presence of contaminating microorganisms and a reduction in fruit yield.

Problem-solving strategy: Microalgae biostimulants stimulate biological processes that improve

nutrient availability and optimize absorption, increase tolerance to abiotic stress, and improve productivity and product quality. In addition, by their nature, microalgae have the capacity to fix the CO2 produced by soil respiration and the action of bacteria on organic matter. The CO2 captured by microalgae is transformed into sugars and phytohormones that are used by plants in the productive stages

This proposal seeks to transfer the knowledge developed on the benefits of microalgae to the strawberry production sector through seminars and demonstration plots.

Results: As part of this proposal, a management plan will be generated for the crop of interest using microalgae, which are currently produced in the Microalgae Laboratory of the Biotechnology Research Center of the ITCR

Establecer de un plan de manejo con bioestimulantes de microalgas para la producción de fresa

1. Escuela de Biología: Biotecnología Vegetal
2. Escuela de Biología: Bioprocesos