Foliar application of microalgae extracts impacted the seed yield of white lupine (Lupinus albus).

Abstract

Algae are known for their rich nutrients, which can enhance productivity of agricultural crops, making them valuable biostimulants. However, the use of microalgae for this purpose is still in its early stages, and there have been no studies conducted on lupine crops in Brazil so far. This study aimed to investigate the impact of microalgae extracts on the growth and productivity of white lupine. The experiment included four different microalgae extracts (Limnospira platensis, Nannochloropsis oculata, Tetradesmus obliquus, and Chaetoceros muelleri), applied either once or twice, along with a control group. The results showed that there was no interaction between the number of applications and the type of microalgae extract applied via foliar application in white lupine crops. The microalgae extracts did not have a significant impact on the 100-grain weight and yield of white lupine crops. The average height of white lupine plants at harvest was 117.04 cm, regardless of the treatment. However, there was a significant increase (13.12%) in the number of seeds per pod of white lupine with a single application of microalgae extract, regardless of the specific extract used. The height of the white lupine plants was not affected by the treatments during both the vegetative and reproductive phases. Further research is needed to optimise the bioactive extraction process, identify metabolites with biostimulant potential in the extracts, and determine the most effective application method (soil, seed, or foliar), as well as the optimal timing and frequency of foliar applications based on the crop's phenological stages.