Macrocystis Pyrifera extract as a biological control agent improves the sanitary quality and germination of Arachis hypogaea seeds

Abstract

The aim of this study was to generate knowledge and technology to increase the efficacy of biological products to improve peanut production. The percentage incidence of plant pathogens, germination responses and seedling growth parameters of Arachis hypogaea seeds subjected to algal extracts were evaluated in order to generate a fungal biological agent for application on peanut seeds. Results of this study demonstrate that the application of algal extracts have a positive effect favouring germination responses of peanut seeds. The fungal load detected was the lowest when the algal extract combined with 50% recommended dose of a commercial fungicide combination was applied, demonstrating that this combination of algal extract would represent a new sustainable agronomic practice for the environment since it considerably reduces the use of chemical fungicide agents. These results suggest that the components of algal extracts, such as salicylic and jasmonic acids, have chemical properties that could be considered for the specific control of fungi. This biological product is a new source of bioactive compounds with potential applications in agriculture, showing activity for the control of fungal load of seeds, as well as a promoter of germination.