Page 62 - EER-2-2

Explora: Environment
and Resource Application of Algae for seed priming

contains 0.2 – 1.0 µg/g dry weight of these powerful growth components of seaweed; they are powerful bioactive
enhancers. 22,78,79 compounds that enhance plant growth and fortify
seeds against environmental stress when used in seed
Algae are not merely passive marine organisms; they 83
are nature’s biochemical engineers, fine-tuning seed priming. Acting as natural signaling molecules, these
development and plant growth at every stage due to their complex carbohydrates trigger key biochemical pathways
that activate plant defense mechanisms (Figure 3). They
diverse hormonal repertoire (Figure 2). They establish stimulate the production of crucial phytohormones,
robust root systems during germination that firmly anchor such as salicylic acid, jasmonic acid, and ethylene, which
plants while optimizing nutrient assimilation through orchestrate plant immune responses. 84,85
auxins. 21,77 Their cytokinins stimulate metabolic activity,
expediting cell division and ensuring the formation of Among these, alginates, primarily extracted from
86
vigorous shoots. GAs dismantle dormancy constraints, brown algae, can play a pivotal role in plant health. They
80
facilitating rapid germination and elongation. 77,81 ABA activate defense-related enzymes, such as peroxidase and
serves as a master regulator, balancing stress adaptation and chitinase, strengthening plant resistance against diseases
dormancy. 76,82 Though less well-known, brassinosteroids and environmental stresses. Beyond their biological
instill resilience in seedlings, enabling them to flourish benefits, alginates improve soil structure, enhancing water
in the face of environmental obstacles. 22,78 The synergistic retention and nutrient availability. Seed priming with
interplay of these plant hormones makes algae a alginates has also been linked to improved seedling vigor
transformative force in sustainable agriculture, offering and greater tolerance to abiotic stress. 87-89
an organic, eco-friendly alternative to synthetic growth Fucoidans, another group of sulfated polysaccharides
enhancers. Harnessing their potential may revolutionize primarily sourced from Fucus vesiculosus and
seed priming strategies, resulting in harvests that are more Sargassum sp., stand out for their potent antioxidant and
resilient, productive, and naturally fortified against stress. immunomodulatory properties. When used in seed
90
priming, they stimulate the plant’s antioxidant defense
3.2. Polysaccharides and oligosaccharides system by boosting the activity of superoxide dismutase
Algal polysaccharides, such as alginates, fucoidans, (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase,
laminarins, and carrageenans, are not just structural helping plants combat oxidative stress. Studies have

Figure 2. Role of algal phytohormones in seed germination
Abbreviations: ABA: Abscisic acid; GA: Gibberellin; ROS: Reactive oxygen species.

Volume 2 Issue 2 (2025) 9 doi: 10.36922/EER025120025