Algae Extract Increases Seed Production of Soybean Plants and Alters Nitrogen Metabolism

Abstract

Algae extract biostimulants increase nutrient uptake, stress tolerance, and productivity in several crops. However, there is still a gap in the knowledge of the mechanisms of action of algae extracts on nitrogen plant metabolism. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of a commercial Ascophyllum nodosum algae extract on nitrogen metabolism in nodulating soybean plants and their productivity. Two concentrations of algae extract (0.25% and 0.50%) were used, which were applied via seeds and leaf spray. Seeds were treated at sowing, and plants were sprayed twice at two vegetative phenological stages. Plants were harvested at the R5 phenological stage for leaf biochemical and enzyme activity analyses and leaf and root gene expression analyses. The experiment was carried out a second time to evaluate productivity. There was an increase in leaf and stem biomass, number of pods and seeds, weight of pods and seeds, and productivity in plants treated with both concentrations. Biochemical analysis showed increased amino acid content in leaves after extract application. No marked differences were found regarding the parameters related to nitrogen metabolism when the data were analysed individually. However, principal component analysis and gene expression heatmaps supported the conclusion that N metabolism was affected by algae extract application, leading to higher seed production.