Bioactive fatty acids and compounds from Spirulina (Arthrospira) platensis: Potential as biostimulants for plant growth

This study investigated the application of biologically active compounds from algae obtained by supercritical carbon dioxide extraction (SC–CO2) as plant growth biostimulants. This study investigated, extracts from the Spirulina (Arthrospira) platensis. Plant tests confirmed the beneficial effect of the formulation containing SC-CO2 extract of S. platensis and micronutrients on the initial phase of wheat growth (germination tests) and wheat and rapeseed yield (field tests). No phytotoxicity was observed with the treatments. The highest number of siliques was obtained for the formulation containing SC-CO2 extract of S. platensis and amino acids. Mycological studies demonstrated the efficacy of the SC-CO2 extract of S. platensis against six of the nine fungal pathogen strains tested. It was confirmed that the formulation containing SC-CO2 extract of S. platensis effectively reduced the development of the pathogen and had beneficial effects on the initial growth phase of wheat (germination tests) and the yield of wheat and rapeseed (field tests). Using of algae and fatty acids from their extraction as biostimulants offers the possibility of reducing fertilizer doses – it is a promising tool to enhance plant production in the global climate crisis.