The main goal of this research project is the preliminary mapping of phytohormones to develop a competitive biostimulant extract from cultivated brown algae (Phaeophyceae).

The project focuses on three key species: Alaria esculenta, Saccharina latissima, and Ascophyllum nodosum, chosen for their potential to produce phytohormones that can be effectively used in biostimulants.In collaboration with SINTEF Nord and the Natural Products and Medicinal Chemistry Group at UiT, the Arctic University of Norway, the project will conduct a preliminary study of selected phytohormone groups based on a literature review.

The first milestone is to assess the quality and quantity of phytohormones in the three algae species, based on previous studies of these or closely related species. The second milestone is to review the different methodologies used to detect phytophormones based on mass spectrometry, and to select suitable methods for phytohormone analysis.