The Capacity of Soil Microalgae to Improve Germination and Initial Growth of White Radish and Kohlrabi

Abstract

Summary Biofertilizers and biostimulators have become alternative sources of plant nutrients. Biofertilizers derived from microalgae represent a new approach in plant production. The aim of the study was to examine the capacity of the microalgal cell suspension to improve germination and initial growth (root and shoot length) of white Icicle Radish (Raphanus sativus) and Kohlrabi (Brassica oleracea var. gongylodes). By applying soil microalgal biofertilizer, initial growth was improved. Compared to the control, the root length of white radish was increased by 64.24% and 41.32%, using Chlorella sp. and Dictyosphaerium sp. cell suspension, respectively. Kohlrabi root growth was stimulated by application of Chlorella sp. and Dictyosphaerium sp. suspension by 60.97% and 55.02%, respectively. A significant difference in the shoot length was recorded, as well.