Spirulina extract increased soybean nodulation by up to 50%

Brazilian researchers investigated the use of Spirulina platensis microalgae extract as a seed treatment for soybeans, wheat and oats. Laboratory and field trials showed that the treatment can stimulate plant development, with particularly notable effects observed in soybeans.

The researchers used ultrasonic cell disruption to produce the extract, releasing biologically active compounds including amino acids and phytohormones. The product was tested as a seed treatment, including in combination with conventional chemical and biological treatments.

In the trials, spirulina extract increased plant height by up to 12% and shoot dry mass by up to 32%. In soybeans, root dry mass at early growth stages also increased by up to 26.9%.

The most notable result in soybeans was an increase in nodule formation of up to 50% compared with untreated controls. Root nodules play a key role in symbiotic nitrogen fixation, meaning stronger nodulation could improve nitrogen nutrition. However, the findings do not yet indicate a corresponding increase in final soybean yields.

The researchers see microalgae extracts as a promising basis for new biostimulants that could be integrated into existing seed-treatment practices. The results demonstrate spirulina’s potential to improve the early development of soybeans and other crops, although further research is needed to assess its impact on final crop yields.

Tags: soybean, spirulina extract, extract, спіруліна