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Explora: Environment
and Resource Application of Algae for seed priming

tools represent a frontier of sustainable agricultural By addressing the existing challenges and capitalizing
biotechnology. Their strategic integration into algal-based on emerging technologies, algal-based seed priming
seed priming research and application could significantly can become a valuable tool for the future of agriculture,
improve the precision, efficiency, and scalability of this contributing to a more sustainable and resilient food
eco-friendly strategy, establishing it as a cornerstone of system.
resilient and sustainable crop production in the future.
Acknowledgments
9. Conclusion
None.
Seed germination is a complex physiological process
regulated by a cascade of metabolic and molecular Funding
events that ensure successful seedling establishment. This work was financially supported by the University
Enhancing germination efficiency and seedling vigor is Grant Commission, Government of India through a
crucial for sustainable agriculture, particularly in the face
of environmental challenges. The use of algal extracts as fellowship awarded to Anwesha Mondal in December 2019
seed priming agents presents a promising approach for (Fellowship ID: 191520246470/CSIR_UGC NET).
enhancing seed germination, seedling establishment, and Conflict of interest
overall crop productivity while maintaining environmental
sustainability. These extracts contain bioactive compounds, The authors declare no competing interests.
such as phytohormones, osmoprotectants, and essential
micronutrients, which contribute to improved seed Author contributions
vigor, enhanced stress tolerance, and increased metabolic Conceptualization: Santanu Paul
efficiency. Algal priming also fosters beneficial plant- Visualization: Suhana Sabnam, Anwesha Mondal
microbe interactions in the rhizosphere, promoting Writing – original draft: Suhana Sabnam, Anwesha Mondal
nutrient cycling and soil health. This bio-based approach Writing – review & editing: Anwesha Mondal, Santanu Paul
aligns well with the global movement towards sustainable
agriculture by reducing dependency on synthetic fertilizers Ethical approval and consent to participate
and chemical priming agents.
Not applicable.
Despite the growing body of research supporting
algal-based seed priming, several challenges remain Consent for publication
to be addressed. One of the primary hurdles is the Not applicable.
standardization of extraction methods and formulation
techniques to ensure consistency and efficacy across Availability of data
different plant species and environmental conditions.
Furthermore, understanding the precise biochemical Data are available from the corresponding author upon
mechanisms through which algal extracts exert their reasonable request.
priming effects remains an ongoing research focus. To
fully leverage the potential of algal-based priming, future References
research should aim at optimizing large-scale production 1. Soujanya P, Sathappan CT, Dhanasekaran D. Effect of
and application strategies. Advances in biotechnology and organic seed priming on germination and growth of Bhendi
synthetic biology could pave the way for engineering algae (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench) in coastal saline soil.
with enhanced biostimulant properties tailored for specific Crop Res. 2024;59(1-2):47-51.
crop requirements. In addition, integrating algal priming doi: 10.31830/2454-1761.2024.CR-940
with precision agriculture techniques can further enhance
its efficiency and applicability. Evaluating the economic 2. Abinandan S, Praveen K, Venkateswarlu K, Megharaj M.
feasibility and scalability of algal-based priming is also Seed priming with microalgae enhances plant productivity
and rhizosphere health. Soil Ecol Lett. 2025;7(1):240271.
essential to facilitate its adoption by farmers worldwide.
Policies and incentives promoting the use of bio-based doi: 10.1007/s42832-024-0271-1
agricultural inputs will play a crucial role in mainstreaming 3. Radwan AM, Ahmed EA, Donia AM, Mustafa AE,
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significant challenges to global food security, algal seed seeds in seaweed extract improved seed germination, plant
priming represents a sustainable and innovative strategy growth and performance under salinity conditions. Sci
for improving crop resilience, productivity, and soil health. Rep. 2023;13(1):11884.

Volume 2 Issue 2 (2025) 20 doi: 10.36922/EER025120025