Abstract
The aim of the field trials was to determine the influence of supercritical algal extracts on the growth and development of winter wheat (variety Akteur). As a raw material for the supercritical fluid extraction, the biomass of microalga Spirulina plantensis, brown seaweed – Ascophyllum nodosum and Baltic green macroalgae was used. Forthial and Asahi SL constituted the reference products. It was found that the tested biostimulants did not influence statistically significantly the plant height, length of ear, and shank length. The ear number per m2 was the highest in the group where the Baltic macroalgae extract was applied in the dose 1.0 L/ha (statistically significant differences). Number of grains in ear (statistically significant differences) and shank length was the highest in the group treated with Spirulina at the dose 1.5 L/ha. In the group with Ascophyllum at the dose 1.0 L/ha, the highest length of ear was observed. The yield was comparable in all the experimental groups (lack of statistically significant differences). Among the tested supercritical extracts, the best results were obtained for Spirulina (1.5 L/ha). The mass of 1000 grains was the highest for extract from Baltic macroalgae and was 3.5% higher than for Asahi, 4.0% higher than for Forthial and 18.5% higher than for the control group (statistically significant differences). Future work is needed to fully characterize the chemical composition of the applied algal extracts. A special attention should be paid to the extracts obtained from Baltic algae because they are inexpensive source of naturally occurring bioactive compounds, which can be used in sustainable agriculture and horticulture.
Highlights
There is increased interest in natural products that stimulate the growth of plants
The species of algae used in the present study are recognized as safe (Enzing et al., 2014; Arioli et al., 2015)
Using algal extracts as biostimulants of plant growth is a natural solution that guarantee the growth of food vegetables/fruits without any chemical residues
Summary
There is increased interest in natural products that stimulate the growth of plants. A special attention has been paid to the raw material – the biomass of algae that is useful in the production of plant growth biostimulants (Calvo et al, 2014). The natural products obtained from algae constitute the subject of interest in agriculture with emphasis on its application in sustainable agriculture (Khan et al, 2009). Algae have long been viewed a valuable source of food and traditional remedies. Various types of macroalgae, such as Undaria and Laminaria were grown and harvested in coastal areas. Another important commercial application of algae is the production of healthcare
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
