Codium fragile (Suringar) Hariot as Biostimulant Agent to Alleviate Salt Stress in Durum Wheat: Preliminary Results from Germination Trials

Abstract

Soil salinization is a critical environmental problem in arid and semiarid regions of the world. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of an algae-based biostimulant on germination and seedling vigour of durum wheat (Triticum turgidum L. subsp. durum (Desf.) Husn.), under different saline conditions (0, 100, and 200 mM NaCl). The experiment was carried out under controlled-environment conditions. Seeds were sprayed with a solution containing a combination of fungicide and different concentrations of Codium fragile (Suringar) Hariot algae (0%w/v, 10%w/v, 20%w/v, and 30%w/v). All experimental units were placed in a germination cabinet. The effect of the seaweed extract (SWE) on seed germination and seedling performance under salinity stress was evaluated over a period of 8 days. Coleoptile length and biomass were found to be significantly and positively affected by the application of different SWE doses as compared to the control treatment (0% algae). As for germination traits, seeds treated with SWE showed a final germination (from 82% to 88%), under severe saline conditions, significantly higher than that observed in the control treatment (61%). Our findings indicate that the appropriate dose of biostimulant can markedly improve the germination and the seedlings vigour of durum wheat seeds under saline conditions. Additional studies will be needed to understand the mechanism of action of this biostimulant and its effectiveness in longer studies under field conditions.

Discriminating among Alternative Dressing Solutions for Cereal Seed Treatment: Effect on Germination and Seedling Vigor of Durum Wheat

“…The effectiveness of seaweed extracts in promoting growth and the physiological traits of wheat has been reported by several studies [59,60]. Extracts from Codium fragile were recently found to enhance the germination performance and seedling vigor of durum wheat both under normal and salt stress conditions [61]. Codium spp., like all macroalgae, contain phytohormones (e.g., cytokinin, gibberellins and auxins), as well as essential nutrients and amino acids [61][62][63][64][65][66].…”

“…Extracts from Codium fragile were recently found to enhance the germination performance and seedling vigor of durum wheat both under normal and salt stress conditions [61]. Codium spp., like all macroalgae, contain phytohormones (e.g., cytokinin, gibberellins and auxins), as well as essential nutrients and amino acids [61][62][63][64][65][66]. All these substances are positively involved in seed germination and seedling development [67][68][69].…”