Algal biofertilizers from the genus nostoc: a sustainable alternative for the cultivation oF Echinaceae purpurea L. in the conditions of the Republic of Moldova [Articol]

Abstract

The present paper presents the experimental results established upon combined application of algal biofertilizers from the genus Nostoc, the species Nostoc gelatinosum Schousboe ex Bornet & Flahault, N. punctiforme (Kützing) Hariot and N. linckia Bornet ex Bornet & Flahault to the cultivation of Echinacea purpurea (L) Moench. The obtained results demonstrated that the application of these biofertilizers had a significant positive effect on several phenological and morphological parameters of the plants. An acceleration of the phenological phases of development was found, with a reduction of the vegetation period by up to 7 days in the variants with the application of algal biofertilizers. Also, a significant increase in leaf area, plant length and biomass production was observed in E. purpurea plants treated with algal biofertilizers compared to controls. The best results were obtained when applying a dose of 30 kg/ha of algal biofertilizer from the genus Nostoc. These results suggest that algal fertilizers from the genus Nostoc can be used as an ecological and efficient alternative for increasing the production of Echinacea purpurea crops. (L) Moench. in the specific conditions of the Republic of Moldova.