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Explora: Environment
and Resource Application of Algae for seed priming

Figure 4. Role of algal extract in water uptake and hydration during seed germinating
and enhanced early seedling vigor, making algal-based and expansion during the early seedling development.
seed priming a highly effective biostimulant strategy for Algae, such as C. vulgaris and U. lactuca produce
sustainable agriculture. significant amounts of auxins, which enhance embryonic
root growth and support faster and stronger radicle
4.2. Modulating phytohormone signaling protrusion when used for seed priming. 21,77 Cytokinins,
Seed germination is a complex physiological process found in red algae, such as G. edulis and K. alvarezii, help
tightly regulated by phytohormones, and algal extracts in breaking dormancy by promoting cell division in the
play a crucial role in modulating these signals to influence embryonic tissues, ensuring uniform and synchronized
germination by enhancing metabolic activity, breaking germination. They also contribute to mobilizing stored
dormancy, and ensuring efficient nutrient mobilization nutrients within the seed, further enhancing the speed and
(Figure 5). The presence of auxins, GAs, cytokinins, uniformity of germination. 74,120 Conversely, ABA, a known
and ABA in algal extracts influences key stages of seed inhibitor of germination under stress conditions, is present
germination, from dormancy release to radicle emergence. in controlled amounts in algal extracts from species,
Species, such as A. nodosum, E. maxima, F. vesiculosus, and such as D. salina and S. platensis. This finely tuned ABA
S. platensis provide a diverse range of phytohormones that presence ensures effective germination while balancing
act synergistically to optimize germination kinetics. 77 rapid emergence and stress tolerance. Under favorable

By promoting enzyme activation, regulating hormonal conditions, ABA levels decrease to allow GAs to promote
balance, and mitigating oxidative stress, algal-derived germination, whereas under adverse conditions, the ABA
bioactive compounds create a favorable biochemical helps delay germination until conditions improve. 82,76
environment for seed germination. GAs are among the In addition, brassinosteroids from seaweeds, such as S.
most critical hormones involved in this process, helping muticum contribute to softening and loosening seed cell
overcome seed dormancy by stimulating the production walls, thereby facilitating radicle emergence. 22,78
of hydrolytic enzymes, such as α-amylase, which break 4.3. Activating antioxidant defense systems
down stored starch into simple sugars. These sugars serve
as an immediate energy source for the growing embryo, Algal extracts play a crucial role in activating antioxidant
facilitating rapid and synchronized germination. 76,77 defense systems during seed germination, protecting seeds
Macrophytes, such as Gracilaria and S. wightii are rich in from oxidative damage, and ensuring successful seedling
GAs, and their extracts accelerate germination by promoting establishment. The ability of algal extracts to activate
faster reserve mobilization. Auxins, particularly IAA, also antioxidant defense systems ensures that germinating
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contribute to germination by promoting cell elongation seeds maintain cellular homeostasis, reducing oxidative

Volume 2 Issue 2 (2025) 12 doi: 10.36922/EER025120025