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Explora: Environment
and Resource Application of Algae for seed priming

Figure 3. Role of algal polysaccharides and oligosaccharides in seed germination
Abbreviations: CAT: Catalase; GPx: Glutathione peroxidase; SOD: Superoxide dismutase.

shown that fucoidan treatment significantly enhances strengthening their ability to withstand environmental
germination rates and improves stress tolerance in crops, stress. Notably, Ulva-based priming has shown promising
such as maize and soybean under salinity and oxidative results in tomato seedlings exposed to salinity stress,
stress conditions. 83 improving germination rates and growth parameters.
Similarly, laminarins – like β-glucans derived from This is attributed to its role in stabilizing cell membranes
the cell walls of brown algae, such as Laminaria and and increasing the accumulation of soluble sugars, which
Saccharina – are renowned for their antifungal and function as osmoprotectants. 4,96
antibacterial properties. They not only induce systemic Microalgal polysaccharides and oligosaccharides also
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resistance in plants by promoting the production of play a vital role in seed germination, growth promotion,
defense-related proteins and secondary metabolites, such and stress tolerance, particularly under abiotic stress
as phenolics and flavonoids, but also enhance root growth conditions. They enhance root development, improve
and water uptake efficiency. This makes laminarin-based nutrient uptake by maintaining a beneficial rhizosphere
seed priming particularly beneficial in drought-prone environment, and stimulate microbial activity. Beyond seed
environments, ensuring better seedling establishment and priming, these bioactive compounds function as natural
resilience. 83,92 biostimulants, regulating key physiological processes, such
Carrageenans, sulfated polysaccharides derived from as cell division, root growth, and flowering, making them
red algae, such as Kappaphycus and Eucheuma, also valuable tools for sustainable agriculture. 64,73 Microalgal
contribute significantly to seed vigor and germination. polysaccharides, such as β-glucans, galactans, sulfated
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Their remarkable water-retention properties help polysaccharides, and mannans, have been identified in
maintain seed moisture, a crucial factor for early seedling several species, often in high content. For instance,
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development. Research indicates that carrageenan-based C. vulgaris is known for its high content of β-glucans,
priming not only enhances seed hydration but also boosts which have immunomodulatory and antioxidant effects.
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antioxidant enzyme activity, improving seedling tolerance Spirulina (A. platensis) contains high amounts of rhamnose-
to abiotic stressors, such as heat and drought. In addition, containing polysaccharides that have been linked to
priming seeds with carrageenans results in higher stress tolerance in higher plants. Another example is
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germination rates and increased seedling vigor under Haematococcus pluvialis, which produces galactans that
drought conditions. 94,95 possess antioxidant and stress-tolerance properties,
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Beyond these well-known polysaccharides, species, especially useful in combating oxidative stress in plants.
such as Ulva and Kappaphycus have also demonstrated D. salina, a halophilic microalga, contains mannans that
exceptional potential in seed priming. Their are beneficial for enhancing cell wall structure and stress
polysaccharides enhance antioxidant activity in seedlings, resistance. 101

Volume 2 Issue 2 (2025) 10 doi: 10.36922/EER025120025