Ascophyllum nodosum-derived biostimulant promotes physiological conditioning to increase soybean yield in a semiarid climate

• Published in: Journal of applied phycology 2024-10, Vol.36 (6), p.3755-3768
• Main Authors: Jesus, Jeane Ferreira de, Santos, Amanda Soares, Sousa, Renato Oliveira de, Fonseca, Bruno Sousa Figueiredo da, Ferreira, Wesley Santos, Silva, Rodrigo Fonseca da, Paula-Marinho, Stelamaris de Oliveira, Barroso, Priscila Alves, Luz, Milena Rodrigues, Alcântara Neto, Francisco de, Costa, José Hélio, Miranda, Rafael de Souza
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Algae; Ascophyllum nodosum; Biomedical and Life Sciences; Biostimulants; Conditioning; Crop yield; Cultivars; Developmental stages; Ecology; Flowering; Freshwater & Marine Ecology; Fruits; Gas exchange; Life Sciences; Moisture content; Photosynthesis; Physiology; Plant growth; Plant layout; Plant Physiology; Plant Sciences; Plants; Plants (botany); Pollen; Seaweeds; Semi arid areas; Semiarid climates; Semiarid lands; Soybeans; Spraying; Water content
• ISSN: 0921-8971; 1573-5176
• DOI: 10.1007/s10811-024-03365-0

The use of algae-based biostimulants as biopromoters for the growth, flowering, and fruiting phases has been intensified in recent years, despite a lack of information about the ideal quantity for maximum efficiency by the plant. This study aimed to select the concentration and application timing of Ascophyllum nodosum- derived biostimulant capable of modulating the physiology and increasing the yield of soybean plants from a semiarid region. The trials were carried out in a greenhouse by applying leaf spraying of biostimulant at 0, 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 L ha −1 , as a single or double application, in different developmental stages (V4, V4 + R1, R1, R1 + R4) of Extrema soybean cultivar. Growth, water content, pollen viability, gas exchange and grain yield were investigated. The biostimulant promoted a better physiological conditioning and productive responses, depending on the dose and application timing. Ascophyllum nodosum -based biostimulant at 1.5 L ha −1 , applied 0.75 L ha −1 at V4 + 0.75 L ha −1 at R1 (T12), was the most significant treatment, improving the net photosynthesis, water status and plant growth, which resulted in a 12% increase in grain yield. In conclusion, the dosage and timing of application play pivotal roles in eliciting physiological and productive responses through biostimulants. Seaweed-based biostimulants emerge as essential components to optimizing the cultivation and yield of soybean plants, serving as efficient and sustainable biological regulators.