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Explora: Environment
and Resource Application of Algae for seed priming

These issues can be addressed through tailored cultivation Another major concern is the frequent disparity
systems and careful strain selection. between results observed under laboratory conditions
The sustainability of algal extracts further adds to their and those obtained in real-world field environments.
appeal. They reduce dependence on synthetic fertilizers, In controlled settings, algal priming has consistently
prevent soil degradation, and promote water conservation. demonstrated improvements in germination rates,
4
Moreover, their cultivation can be optimized for resource seedling vigor, and stress tolerance. However, these benefits
efficiency, ensuring that algae-based products remain often diminish in the field, where factors, such as soil
both ecologically and economically viable for long-term heterogeneity, temperature variation, and irregular water
agricultural use. 21,77 Derived from renewable sources – availability introduce complexity and unpredictability. This
including marine biomass and wastewater – algal extracts discrepancy highlights the need for more comprehensive,
are biodegradable, non-toxic, and environmentally region-specific field trials to validate laboratory findings
friendly. Their use contributes to improved soil health by and to optimize formulations for specific agro-climatic
enhancing microbial diversity and facilitating nutrient contexts.
cycling in the rhizosphere. 28,27 Moreover, the long-term ecological implications
From a practical standpoint, algal extracts can be easily of repeated application of algal extract are still poorly
incorporated into existing agricultural systems and applied understood. While preliminary studies indicate that
through seed coatings, foliar sprays, or soil amendments. algal treatments may enhance soil microbial activity and
They require relatively low production inputs and can be beneficial plant-microbe interactions, there is insufficient
locally sourced or cultivated, making them cost-effective long-term data regarding their impact on soil microbial
and adaptable across diverse farming systems. These diversity and nutrient cycling. It is essential to investigate
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features position algal-based priming as a viable and whether continuous use of algal biostimulants might
sustainable strategy for both conventional and resource- unintentionally disrupt microbial equilibrium and nutrient
limited systems. Beyond their biological efficacy, cycling dynamics.
3,28
algal extracts carry significant ecological and practical To overcome these limitations and fully realize the
implications. As naturally derived biostimulants, they benefits of algal seed priming, future research should
align with environmental sustainability goals by reducing focus on developing standardized preparation and dosing
dependency on synthetic agrochemicals and enhancing protocols, alongside long-duration field experiments
soil biodiversity. Their ease of integration into present across varied agro-climatic regions. In addition, advanced
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agricultural practices, whether as seed coatings, foliar molecular tools should be employed to explore the long-
treatments, or soil supplements makes them a flexible term effects of algal treatments on soil microbiomes and
and cost-effective option for farmers. Furthermore, the plant health. One such promising avenue is the use of
use of algae cultivated from wastewater or marginal CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing to enhance the functional
environments promotes circular economy models and properties of algae used in extract preparation. By precisely
resource conservation. targeting and modifying genes involved in the biosynthesis
of key bioactive metabolites, such as phytohormones
8. Challenges, future perspectives, and (e.g., auxins, GAs, and cytokinins), antioxidants, and
emerging technologies stress-related proteins, CRISPR can be utilized to develop
While algal extract-based seed priming presents a promising high-performing algal strains with improved efficacy in
eco-friendly alternative to conventional methods, several enhancing seed vigor, germination rate, and early seedling
existing practical and ecological challenges must be establishment. This approach can be particularly valuable
addressed before its widespread adoption. One major in customizing algal formulations for specific crop species
limitation is the lack of standardization in the preparation or environmental conditions.
and application of algal extracts. The biochemical In addition to CRISPR, the integration of omics
composition of algae can vary significantly depending on technologies, including transcriptomics, proteomics,
species, geographic origin, seasonal changes, and extraction and metabolomics, can provide a deeper understanding
methods. This variability makes it difficult to establish of the underlying mechanisms by which algal bioactive
optimal extract concentrations, hindering consistency compounds influence plant physiological responses.
across different crop species and environmental conditions. Synthetic biology and systems biology offer the possibility
Without standardized protocols, reproducibility across of designing tailor-made algal strains that can respond
studies remains limited, and large-scale implementation in dynamically to environmental cues or enhance nutrient
diverse agricultural systems becomes challenging. assimilation in the rhizosphere. Together, these advanced

Volume 2 Issue 2 (2025) 19 doi: 10.36922/EER025120025