Biostimulant effect of spirulina (Arthrospira platensis) on the initial vegetative development of rice seedlings (Oryza sativa)
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Abstract
The study evaluated the biostimulant effect of spirulina (Arthrospira platensis) on the early development of rice seedlings (Oryza sativa), under a completely randomized design with five treatments: T1 (100 %), T2 (75 %), T3 (50 %), T4 (25 %), and T5 (control, 0 %). The seeds were sown in pots to break dormancy and received applications of spirulina on days 0, 5, 10, and 15 after sowing. Germination rate, root length, height, vigor index IV, and fresh and dry biomass were evaluated. The results showed that spirulina significantly favored germination (≥93 %), with the maximum in T1 (97 %). Root development reached 16 cm in T1 compared to 9 cm in the control. Height was greater in T1 and T2 (20 and 19 cm respectively), as was vigor index IV, with T1 standing out (3492). In terms of biomass, T1 had the highest values (fresh: 6.57 g; dry: 2.7 g), exceeding the control (3.85 g and 1.42 g). Dry matter remained stable in treatments with spirulina (≈41 %), higher than the control (36.9 %). Concluding that A. platensis is an effective biostimulant, with dose-dependent effects, its application is recommended in early stages of development to establish the optimal threshold for its use.
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