Journal of Applied Phycology - Algal Biostimulants and Biofertilizers | Topical Collection | Call for Papers

Aims and Scope

Algae have been increasingly explored as a viable source of biostimulants and biofertilizers in agriculture. In recent years, several studies have shown that algal and cyanobacterial extracts as well as biomasses can perform better than conventional products and are more environmentally friendly.

Algal biostimulants are designed to stimulate the growth of crops and improve their overall health. They can be used to enhance nutrient uptake, increase tolerance to biotic and abiotic stresses, and improve quality traits. Algal and cyanobacterial biofertilizers can be used to improve soil fertility, increase crop yields, and reduce the need for chemical fertilizers. They can also help to reduce soil erosion, increase water retention, and reduce water and soil pollution.

We believe that the Phycology community can offer a promising route to help agriculture achieve its greatest challenges in this century: sustainability and food security in a climate changing world.

Seaweed, microalgae, and cyanobacteria researchers are all invited to submit to this Topical Collection. Here we aim to showcase high quality research focusing on agricultural applications, including the role of algal biostimulants in seaweed aquaculture.

Topical areas include but are not limited to:

• Extraction, treatment, production, and application processes.
• Effects on seed germination, crop growth and yield, biochemical properties, tolerance to biotic and abiotic stresses, heavy metals accumulation, post-harvest quality etc
• Use of algae compounds (e.g., polysaccharides, proteins) in combination with conventional products (e.g., coating, nanoparticles) to enhance crop productivity under normal and stressful conditions.
   

Click here to go to the Collection page (this opens in a new tab). Articles on this topic published in the journal from January 2022 to March 2023 were retrospectively added to this Collection.

If you want to send a pre-submission enquiry, please contact the journal (this opens in a new tab).

All submissions will be handled by the journal editorial board, peer reviewed as usual and final decisions made by the Editor-in-Chief. Manuscripts should be prepared according to the journal submission guidelines (this opens in a new tab).

IMPORTANT: Please do not forget to select this collection when submitting your manuscript. 

Image: Adapted from Neil Williamson (this opens in a new tab) (CC-BY)