Potential Use of Sargassum Muticum as a Source of Plant Biostimulants for the Germination and Growth of Radish (Raphanus sativus L.) Through the Application of Eco-Friendly Extracts for Sustainable Agriculture

Abstract

In recent years, seaweed has gained increasing attention for its biostimulatory properties, offering sustainable alternatives to synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. This study evaluated the biostimulant potential of the alien brown alga Sargassum muticum on seed germination and the growth of radish plants (Raphanus sativus L.) through in vitro assays and greenhouse experiments under natural conditions. Two eco-friendly extracts (hot and cold) were prepared and applied at different concentrations. Low extract concentrations (10% and 20%) significantly enhanced seed germination and early seedling growth, notably stem length and fresh biomass. Under greenhouse conditions, treated plants showed increased total height, leaf development, fresh weight, and calcium content, with the most pronounced effects observed with the high-concentration cold extract (7%). These findings highlight the strong biostimulant potential of S. muticum and support its use as a natural biofertilizer for sustainable agriculture.