Abstract
A probable strategy for increasing the economic sustainability of algal technology would involve the utilization of microalgal biomass as biofertilizer by off-setting the high production costs. The present study focusses on the utilization of mixed algal consortia as biofertilizer for analysing the growth rate of tomato plant. Algal extracts (20-100%) in the form of seed primer and foliar spray were used as biostimulants for the growth of tomato plant. Characterization of algal consortium showed the presence of 40.90% carbohydrates and 26.18% proteins that could potentially act as precursors for bioactive compounds to stimulate plant growth. Faster germination percentage was found with extract concentrations ranging from 20-60% in 3 days compared to the untreated seeds. Seeds treated with cellular extracts of 40% concentration also showed faster plant growth rate after sowing in terms of increase in shoot length 19.86 ± 0.51 cm and root length of 14.87 ± 0.63 cm with a fresh and dry weight of 3.47 ± 0.04 g and 0.389 ± 0.036 g respectively after 20 days. Foliar spraying of 60% algal extracts resulted in total plant height of 7.98 ± 0.19 cm with root length of 5.8 ± 0.16 cm, 46% higher compared to the control. 11 ± 0.35 leaves with chlorophyll content of 13.45 ± 0.307 mg g-1 were also obtained after 20 days, with fresh and dry biomass content of 0.416 ± 0.015 g and 0.062 ± 0.005 g respectively. Thus, microalgal cellular extracts could act as an environmental-friendly and economical alternative to synthetic liquid fertilizer for promoting sustainable agriculture.
Published Version
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