Effect of Microalgae-Based Biofertilizer on the Phenology and Yield of Phaseolus vulgaris L var. Opus in Aeroponic Crops

The present study evaluated the effect of a biofertilizer based on marine microal-gae Ascophyllum nodosum on the development of the phenological cycle, yield and nu-tritional quality of Phaseolus vulgaris L. var. Opus grown in an aeroponic system. The experiment was structured with four treatments: foliar application (FA), root applica-tion (RA), combined foliar and root application (F&RA) and a control (C). The statisti-cal analysis indicated significant differences (p < 0.05) in some morphological and nu-tritional variables, particularly in the number of grains per pod. Although the number of pods per plant did not present significant differences, the treatments RA and F&RA showed greater uniformity and productive stability, suggesting a favorable effect of the biofertilizer on the physiological efficiency of the crop. Likewise, pod length was positively correlated with the number of grains and the total weight of the fruit, con-firming its relevance as a yield indicator. The results evidence that A. nodosum favors the absorption of nutrients and improves the physiological and nutraceutical quality of the green beans, increasing the concentration of essential micronutrients. Overall, the study shows the potential of using marine bio-inputs as a sustainable alternative to strengthen the productivity and quality of horticultural crops in controlled agriculture systems.