Cleiton José Alves1, Christian Pérez-Oñate1, Carlos Alexandre Costa Crusciol2, Gabriela Ferraz de Siqueira2, Murilo De Campos2, Marcos De Oliverira Bettini1 and Samir Garaigire Filho1
1Acadian Seaplants Limited, 30 Brown Ave, Dartmouth, NS B3B 1X8, Canada; calves@acadian.ca
2Universidade Estadual Paulista “Júlio de Mesquita Filho”, Faculty of Agronomic Sciences, Plant Production Department, Fazenda Lageado – Avenida Universitária, nº 3780, Botucatu (SP), Brazil
This study evaluated the impact of Ascophyllum nodosum extract on the physiology and productivity of sugarcane during the vegetative and pre-maturation phases. The experimental design included four treatments: control (T1); application during the vegetative phase (T2); application during the pre-maturation phase (T3); and a split application between both phases (T4), applied in 120 m² plots on a Latossolo Vermelho soil with clay texture. Evaluations included physiological, biochemical, and productivity parameters. Split application (T4) optimized CO₂ assimilation, Rubisco activity, and water-use efficiency, improving photosynthetic performance. Antioxidant enzymes (SOD and CAT) increased, while MDA and H₂O₂ levels decreased, mitigating oxidative stress. Carbohydrate partitioning showed higher sucrose accumulation and efficient storage of reducing sugars. Additionally, T4 increased sugar yield by 14%. It is concluded that Ascophyllum nodosum extract significantly enhances the resilience and performance of sugarcane, establishing itself as a sustainable tool for commercial systems. This approach underscores the importance of optimized agronomic management with split applications.