Effects of cyanobacterial-based biostimulants on plant growth and development: a case study on basil (Ocimum basilicum L.)

Abstract In the coming years biostimulants will play a key role in sustainable intensification of agriculture due to their capacity improve crops quality, nutrient use efficiency and tolerance abiotic stresses. Cyanobacteria are nowadays considered one most promising sources new biostimulants; however, vivo studies using cyanobacteria still scarce often limited few genera. this work biostimulant activity five cyanobacterial hydrolysates was evaluated on Ocimum basilicum L. grown hydroponics. Plants were treated weekly with foliar applications two commercial products. Three tested hydrolysates, administered at concentration 1 g L -1 , effective increasing plant growth (up +32%), number +24%) fresh weight +26%) leaves compared controls. Moreover, performed better than biostimulants. The biochemical characterization suggests that observed bioactivity can be related high carbohydrate content. Our results indicate cyanobacteria-based an tool for sustainably enhancing yields.