Use of microalga Asterarcys quadricellulare effectively has a potential source for biofertilizers
Use of microalga Asterarcys quadricellulare effectively has a potential source for biofertilizers
Investigate the use of microalga Asterarcys quadricellulare (CCAP 294/1) biomass to grow potato. Two biomass concentrations (0.15 and 0.25 g L−1) and two spray frequencies (weekly and biweekly) of microalga-biomass sprays increased potato yield and triggered biochemical changes that improve chlorophyll, amino acid, sugar, and nitrate reductase enzyme activity. These findings demonstrate that A. quadricellulare effectively stimulates plant growth, development, and nitrogen assimilation, indicating it is a potential source of sustainable input for potato production.
Materials and methods
The biomass of the microalga Asterarcys quadricellulare (CCAP 294/1), supplied by Alltech Crop Sciences – Brazil, was obtained from mixotrophic cultivation and atomized using a spray drying method, resulting in a fine greenish powder.
Treatments
The A. quadricellulare (AQ) biomass was suspended at the following concentrations: 50, 150, 250, and 400 g L−1. From each suspension, a 1 mL L−1 aliquot was taken and diluted with distilled water, inducing the treatments and producing solutions equivalent to the biomass concentrations of 0.05 g L−1 (AQ 5); 0.15 g L−1 (AQ 15); 0.25 g L−1 (AQ 25); and 0.4 g L−1 (AQ 40).
Conclusion
The microalga A. quadricellulare (CCAP 294/1) showed bioactivity in the bioassay and promoted yield gains in two potato growth seasons, triggering biochemical changes that improved chlorophyll, amino acids, sugars, and enzyme activity. These findings demonstrate that this microalga effectively stimulates plant growth, development, and nitrogen assimilation, highlighting it as a potential source for biofertilizers. Further omics approaches, such as genomics and transcriptomics, could contribute to a better understanding of the signaling processes triggered by A. quadricellulare in plants.
Citation:
Cordeiro, E.C.N., Mógor, Á.F., Amatussi, J.O., Mógor, G., Marques, H.M.C. and de Lara, G.B., 2022. Microalga biofertilizer improves potato growth and yield, stimulating amino acid metabolism. Journal of Applied Phycology, pp.1-10.
