Implementation of Sustainable Methods for the Propagation and Cultivation of Chondracanthus chamissoi “Yuyo” in La Libertad, Peru: A Transition from the Laboratory to the Sea

Soto-Deza N.; Cabanillas-Chirinos L.; Terrones-Rodríguez N. · Journal of Marine Science and Engineering (2025) · DOI: 10.3390/jmse13061164

Resumen

The alga Chondracanthus chamissoi, commonly known as “yuyo” or “mococho” is found along the coasts of Peru and Chile. Due to its multiple applications in industrial, health, pharmaceutical, and productive sectors, its demand has increased, leading to the uncontrolled exploitation of natural banks and negatively impacting marine ecosystems. This experimental study evaluated the viability of propagating C. chamissoi propagules using the foliar fertilizer Bayfolan® from Bayer, as well as its continuous, non-seasonal cultivation in La Ramada. This initiative aims to establish a productive area in La Libertad to meet the needs of national and international markets, reducing the indiscriminate exploitation of seaweed in natural banks. The results indicated that continuous cultivation is feasible, with growth rates of 0.0369 and 0.0388 g.day−1 (0% Bayfolan) and 0.0397 and 0.0399 g.day−1 (1% Bayfolan) during propagule propagation. Slight statistically significant differences were observed in final biomass between 0% and 1% Bayfolan treatments, and Bayfolan use reduced healing time by seven days. Nutritional and microbiological assays confirmed that fresh “yuyo” is suitable for human consumption; hence, La Ramada provides suitable physical–chemical and microbiological conditions for extracting and cultivating hydrobiological species, offering a viable alternative to the seasonal overexploitation of the algae and potential economic benefits for coastal families.

Instituciones: Universidad César Vallejo