{"id":17805,"date":"2026-10-09T18:00:00","date_gmt":"2026-10-09T23:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/expat-times.com\/panama\/?p=17805"},"modified":"2026-10-09T12:28:20","modified_gmt":"2026-10-09T17:28:20","slug":"eco-innovation-in-panama-student-transforms-invasive-algae-into-natural-fertilizer-for-local-crops","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/expat-times.com\/panama\/environment-wildlife\/eco-innovation-in-panama-student-transforms-invasive-algae-into-natural-fertilizer-for-local-crops\/","title":{"rendered":"Eco-Innovation in Panama: Student Transforms Invasive Algae Into Natural Fertilizer for Local Crops"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

A University of Chiriqu\u00ed thesis project is exploring whether proliferating marine macroalgae<\/a> can serve as a natural growth enhancer for guand\u00fa, a legume central to Panamanian cuisine and a key focus of sustainable agriculture Panama<\/a><\/strong> research. Manuel Frago, a student from Chiriqu\u00ed, collected seaweed from two Pacific sites<\/a> to test its potential as a bio-stimulant for the crop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The investigation targets Cajanus cajan<\/a>, known locally as guand\u00fa, which faces mounting production pressure from erratic rainfall and rising temperatures. Frago’s work proposes turning an ecological nuisance, excessive algal blooms, into an agricultural asset.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Youth
The investigation targets Cajanus cajan<\/a>, known locally as guand\u00fa, which faces mounting production pressure from erratic rainfall and rising temperatures. By EFE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Field Research Across Two Pacific Marine Zones<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Frago gathered macroalgae samples from Playa Hermosa on the Gulf of Chiriqu\u00ed coast and Granito de Oro inside Coiba National Park. His thesis adviser, Dr. Eyvar Rodr\u00edguez Quiel, accompanied him at Playa Hermosa. At Granito de Oro, he worked alongside Dr. Eloisa Lasso, also a thesis adviser, completing six 45-meter transects around the island.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Conditions differed sharply between the two locations. At Playa Hermosa, strong waves and murky water prevented the use of sampling quadrants, so Frago measured only the longitudinal spread of algae across five rocky platforms. At Granito de Oro, he used a one-square-meter quadrant divided into 100 cells to estimate benthic coverage along the coral reef, where dense algal patches have been documented growing over coral colonies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

After collection, the seaweed was separated from its substrate, sealed in airtight bags, and transported under cold-chain conditions. Taxonomic identification relied on morphological traits and established identification keys.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Guandu\"
Guand\u00fa holds a special place in Panamanian food culture, especially during end-of-year celebrations. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Why Guand\u00fa Production Is Under Strain<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Guand\u00fa holds a special place in Panamanian food culture, especially during end-of-year celebrations. But climate variability now alternates intense rains with prolonged heat, shrinking harvests and driving up consumer prices. The legume’s vulnerability makes it a practical test subject for bio-stimulant applications that could stabilize yields.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bio-stimulants differ fundamentally from fertilizers. They do not add nutrients directly. Instead, they trigger natural plant processes that improve nutrient uptake, stress tolerance, and overall crop quality. For farmers, this could mean fewer chemical inputs and better resilience to weather extremes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Macroalgae
Macroalgae produce between 50 and 70 percent of the planet’s oxygen and contain carotenoids, enzymes, and vitamins. Macroalgae or green algae growth By CNP.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Marine Algae as a Renewable Agricultural Resource<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Macroalgae produce between 50 and 70 percent of the planet’s oxygen and contain carotenoids, enzymes, and vitamins. Their physicochemical properties already make them valuable in cosmetics, medicine, pharmacology, and food industries. Because many species reproduce both sexually and asexually, they can regenerate populations when harvesting is managed properly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The proliferation of these organisms, But, creates ecological problems. Warming oceans and nutrient runoff from organic waste, carbon dioxide emissions, and agrochemical use fuel excessive growth. Accumulated algae reduce available oxygen, alter seabed communities, and harm other marine life. Frago’s research tests whether harvesting this overabundant biomass could ease coastal stress while supporting inland farming.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Extractos de macroalgas como bioestimulante para el guand\u00fa\nhttps:\/\/t.co\/jXXVxhFHhI https:\/\/t.co\/lfKldcarzY<\/p>— a50pma\u2122 (@a50pma) October 9, 2026<\/a><\/blockquote>\n