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Explora: Environment
and Resource Application of Algae for seed priming

environmental stress resilience. As research continues to acid (IAA), are the master regulators of root development.
advance, optimizing algal-based priming techniques holds They fuel cell elongation, stimulate lateral root formation,
promise for improving crop productivity and supporting and optimize nutrient uptake. Certain algae stand out
sustainable agricultural practices. as rich auxin reservoirs: A. nodosum (0.1 – 5.5 µg/g dry
weight), C. vulgaris (up to 2.5 µg/mL in extract), and
3. Bioactive components in algal extracts U. lactuca (0.6 – 3.1 µg/g dry weight). 21,22
relevant to seed priming Cytokinins, on the other hand, act as the architects of

Seed germination is a highly coordinated process initiated growth – igniting cell division, mobilizing nutrients, and
by mitochondrial repair and respiration activation, delaying leaf senescence. Their role in seed germination
followed by mRNA translation and protein synthesis. and shoot elongation makes them indispensable. Potent
Energy metabolism and DNA repair facilitate cell cycle algal sources of cytokinins include A. nodosum (0.05
activation, while hormone biosynthesis and deactivation – 2.8 µg/g dry weight), G. edulis (0.4 – 1.9 µg/g), and
regulate key developmental transitions. As germination Spirulina platensis (0.3 – 1.5 µg/g). 74,75
progresses, mitochondrial synthesis and embryo growth When it comes to seed dormancy and shoot elongation,
accelerate, accompanied by endosperm weakening and GA takes center stage. They break dormancy barriers,
testa rupture. The regulation of oxidative status and accelerate seed germination, and activate enzymes crucial
efficient mobilization of stored reserves sustain metabolic for early seedling growth. Laminaria digitata holds up to
activity, fueling cell division, DNA synthesis, and radical 1.2 µg/g dry weight, Sargassum wightii ranges between
cell elongation. Starch biosynthesis and aerobic respiration 0.5 and 1.6 µg/g dry weight, while Chlorella pyrenoidosa
further contribute to seedling establishment and provides 0.8 – 1.4 µg/g dry weight. 76,77
growth (Figure 1). 64,73 Algal extracts, derived from both
macroalgae and microalgae, are rich in diverse bioactive Meanwhile, abscisic acid (ABA) plays a paradoxical yet
compounds that significantly enhance seed germination vital role. While it enforces dormancy under unfavorable
and seedling vigor. These bioactive molecules, including conditions, it also equips seeds with the resilience to
4
phytohormones, polysaccharides, proteins, amino acids, combat stress by fine-tuning osmotic adjustments and
polyphenols, fatty acids, vitamins, and essential minerals, antioxidant defenses. Notable sources of ABA include
collectively contribute to improved plant growth, stress S. platensis (0.8 µg/g dry weight), Sargassum muticum
tolerance, and overall crop productivity. (0.3 – 1.1 µg/g dry weight), and Dunaliella salina
(0.5 – 1.3 µg/g dry weight). 76
3.1. Phytohormones Brassinosteroids emerge as the unsung heroes of

Algae serve as a powerhouse of natural plant hormones, seed priming, promoting cell expansion, enhancing
orchestrating key physiological processes in seeds – from stress tolerance, and supercharging seedling vigor by
breaking dormancy to enhancing root elongation and stress regulating stress-response genes. S. wightii exhibits strong
resilience. Among these, auxins especially indole-3-acetic brassinosteroid-like activity, while Kappaphycus alvarezii

Figure 1. Major events during seed germination

Volume 2 Issue 2 (2025) 8 doi: 10.36922/EER025120025