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
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.