Page 54 - EER-2-2

Explora: Environment

and Resource

REVIEW ARTICLE
Advancing seed priming with algal extracts: A

review of mechanistic roles in seed germination
and plant growth

Suhana Sabnam , Anwesha Mondal , and Santanu Paul*
†
†
Cell and Molecular Biology Laboratory, Department of Botany, University of Calcutta, Kolkata, West
Bengal, India

Abstract

Seed priming using natural biostimulants has emerged as a promising strategy to
enhance germination, seedling vigor, and overall crop performance. Algal extracts
– rich in phytohormones, antioxidants, osmoprotectants, and micronutrients – have
gained attention for their multifaceted role in priming. This review explores the
physiological, biochemical, and molecular mechanisms by which algal bioactive
compounds influence early plant development. Phytohormones, such as auxins,
cytokinins, and gibberellins initiate metabolic activation, while antioxidants mitigate
oxidative damage, improving seed resilience under stress. Simultaneously, essential
nutrients support root and shoot development and enhance nutrient assimilation.
† These authors contributed equally
to this work. These combined effects modulate key signaling cascades and gene expression
patterns, promoting stronger and more adaptable seedlings. The findings of this
*Corresponding author:
Santanu Paul work highlight the potential of algal extract-based seed priming as an eco-friendly,
(spbot@caluniv.ac.in) sustainable alternative to conventional chemical treatments, offering a natural
Citation: Sabnam S, Mondal A, approach to improving agricultural productivity.
Paul S. Advancing seed priming
with algal extracts: A review
of mechanistic roles in seed Keywords: Algae; Plant growth; Seed priming; Sustainable agriculture
germination and plant growth.
Explora Environ Resour.
2025;2(2):025120025.
doi: 10.36922/EER025120025
Received: March 22, 2025 1. Introduction
Seed priming, a systematic pre-sowing intervention, is transforming modern agriculture
Revised: April 27, 2025
by improving germination kinetics, speeding up seedling establishment, and enhancing
Accepted: May 6, 2025 plant resilience to environmental challenges. While traditional priming techniques,
1
Published online: June 11, 2025 such as hydropriming, osmopriming, and chemical priming have proven effective, the
Copyright: © 2025 Author(s). trend is evolving toward bio-based solutions that align with sustainability objectives.
This is an Open-Access article Algal extracts from both macroalgae (seaweeds) and microalgae are emerging as potent
distributed under the terms of the biostimulants with a variety of advantages. 2
Creative Commons Attribution
License, permitting distribution, The physiologically active substances found in algae, including phytohormones,
and reproduction in any medium,
provided the original work is osmoprotectants, polyphenols, and vital micronutrients, work together to coordinate
properly cited. metabolic reprogramming in seeds. These bioactive constituents enhance water
Publisher’s Note: AccScience imbibition and enzymatic activity while priming seeds for robust growth through
Publishing remains neutral with the modulation of oxidative stress responses and nutrient assimilation pathways.
3,4
regard to jurisdictional claims in
published maps and institutional Formulations derived from seaweed have been acknowledged for their agricultural
affiliations. potential, especially in improving root architecture, enhancing stress resilience,

Volume 2 Issue 2 (2025) 1 doi: 10.36922/EER025120025