Abstract
Aqueous seaweed extracts have diverse compounds such as Plant-Growth Regulators (PGRs) which have been utilized in agricultural practices for increasing crop productivity. Algal biomass of Padina durvillaei and Ulva lactuca have been suggested for use as biofertilizers because of plant growth-enhancing properties. This work aimed to identify the main PGRs and antioxidant properties in P. durvillaei and U. lactuca extracts, such as abscisic acid, auxins, cytokinins, gibberellins, jasmonates, and salicylates, to assess their potential use as biofertilizers that improve plant growth and crop yield. Phytochemical analyses of two seaweed extracts showed a significantly higher content of sulfates, flavonoids, and phenolic compounds in P. durvillaei extract, which could be linked to its higher antioxidant activity (DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP) compared to U. lactuca extract. The identification and quantification of PGRs showed two gibberellins (GA1 and GA4), abscisic acid (ABA), indoleacetic acid (IAA), three cytokinins (tZ, IP, and DHZ), jasmonic acid (JA), and salicylic acid (SA) in two seaweed extracts. However, GA4, tZ, and DHZ contents were significantly higher in P. durvillaei compared to U. lactuca extracts. These findings evidence that P. durvillaei and U. lactuca extracts are suitable candidates for use as biofertilizers.
Highlights
Seaweed extracts have been used in agricultural activities due to their content of macroelements, which activate the synthesis of endogenous hormones in plants [1,2]and contribute microelements (N, Ca, Mg, Mn, B, Br, I, Zn, Cu, and Co), amino acids, and vitamins that enrich soil in plant crops [3]
Soluble protein was found in the P. durvillaei extract (1.28 ± 0.5%), but not in the U. lactuca extract
The present study focused on the analysis of the main Plant-Growth Regulators (PGRs) and the biochemical characterization of their aqueous extracts in two macroalgae involved in massive arrivals
Summary
Seaweed extracts have been used in agricultural activities due to their content of macroelements (alginate, agar, carrageenan, etc.), which activate the synthesis of endogenous hormones in plants [1,2]and contribute microelements (N, Ca, Mg, Mn, B, Br, I, Zn, Cu, and Co), amino acids, and vitamins that enrich soil in plant crops [3]. Plant-Growth Regulators (PGRs) have been identified in algal extracts, such as abscisic acid, auxins, cytokinins, gibberellins, jasmonates, or salicylates, all of which regulate plant cell metabolism and boost production and growth [10,11,12]. For this reason, marine algae have been used in agriculture as organic fertilizers to achieve sustainable crop production [13,14] and counter the excessive use of fertilizers and synthetic hormones (e.g., 2.4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid and naphthaleneacetic acid) that may potentially affect both the environment and humans [12,15]
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