<i>Chlorella sorokiniana</i> as a biostimulator of maize seed germination

Abstract

Microalgae exert several beneficial effects on plants. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of Chlorella sorokiniana biomass as a biostimulator on the seed germination of the maize cultivar LG 36790. Germitest^® paper germination tests were performed in a greenhouse. The treatments studied were:1) water (control), 2) 5% biomass of Chlorella sorokiniana; 3) 5% washed Chlorella sorokiniana biomass, and 4) micronutrient and urea solutions. On Germitest^® paper, washed biomass treatment showed a higher seed germination (97%) but did not differ statistically from the control and treatment with 5% biomass. The 5% biomass treatment resulted in the highest values for root length and aerial part length at 5.96 and 3.82 cm, respectively, indicating better plant growth. In the greenhouse, treatment with micronutrients and urea showed the lowest values for seed germination, root size, and aerial part length and the washed biomass resulted in higher aerial part length at 11.76 cm. The treatment with biomass and washed biomass microalgae Chlorella sorokiniana contributes to an overall positive effect on germination, root size, and aerial parts growth.