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Article

Application of Chlorella vulgaris Beijerinck as a Biostimulant for Growing Cucumber Seedlings in Hydroponics

by
Galiya I. Vildanova
1,
Rezeda Z. Allaguvatova
2,
Dina F. Kunsbaeva
1,
Natalia V. Sukhanova
1 and
Lira A. Gaysina
1,3,*
1
Department of Bioecology and Biological Education, M. Akmullah Bashkir State Pedagogical University, Oktyabrskoy Revolyutsii Street 3-a, 450008 Ufa, Russia
2
Laboratory of Botany, Federal Scientific Center of the East Asia Terrestrial Biodiversity, Pr-t 100-let Vladivostoka, 159, 690022 Vladivostok, Russia
3
All-Russian Research Institute of Phytopathology, Institute Street, 5, 143050 Bolshye Vyazemy, Russia
*
Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
BioTech 2023, 12(2), 42; https://doi.org/10.3390/biotech12020042
Submission received: 24 March 2023 / Revised: 26 April 2023 / Accepted: 19 May 2023 / Published: 22 May 2023
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Technologies in Agricultural and Plant Biotechnology)
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Abstract

:
Hydroponics is a promising method for growing agricultural plants and is especially relevant in the context of global climate change. Microscopic algae, including Chlorella vulgaris, have great potential for use in hydroponic systems as natural growth stimulators. The effect of the suspension of an authentic strain of Chlorella vulgaris Beijerinck on the length of cucumber shoots and roots, as well as its dry biomass, was studied. During cultivation in a Knop medium with the addition of Chlorella suspension, the length of the shoots was shortened from 11.30 to 8.15 cm, while the length of the roots also decreased from 16.41 to 10.59 cm. At the same time, the biomass of the roots increased from 0.04 to 0.05 g. The data obtained indicate the positive effect of the suspension of the Chlorella vulgaris authentic strain on the dry biomass of cucumber plants in hydroponic conditions and make it possible to recommend this strain for use when growing plants in hydroponic systems.
Keywords:
algae; authentic strain; dry biomass; growth stimulator; roots; shoots; seedlings; simple hydroponic system; stimulating effect; plants
Key Contribution: The suspension of Chlorella vulgaris stimulates the roots of cucumber seedlings in hydroponics; this is manifested by an increase in the dry roots’ biomass.

1. Introduction

World population growth, a decrease in cultivation areas, water deficiency, and global warming are serious problems for food production around the world [1]. An important difficulty is the reduction in suitable agricultural territories. Soil is the most appropriate substrate for these plants [1,2]. It provides plants with nutrients, water, and minerals [3,4]. In many regions, there has been a reduction in fertile agricultural lands due to their unfavorable geographical or topographic conditions [5,6]. Moreover, land degradation, low humus content, acidic or alkaline soil pH, poor drainage, and soil contamination by pathogens and toxicants prevent plant growth [7]. The crop yield depends on weather conditions, and a significant part of the crop can be lost due to droughts and floods [8,9].
One of the ways to grow plants, regardless of extreme environmental conditions, is the use of hydroponics. Hydroponics is a unique method for growing plants using an aqueous solution as a source of nutrients [4]. The definition of hydroponics has been broadened over the years, and it is now almost a synonym for soilless culture [10]. This refers to any solid or liquid inert substrate plant cultivation [11]. Gravel, sand, vermiculite, perlite, expanded clay, and rockwool are solid substrates for hydroponics. In fact, most plants cultivated in greenhouses, container nurseries, balconies, flats, and homes grow hydroponically [10].
The role of algae in hydroponics has been discussed for a long time. Both the positive and negative effects of algae on plants in hydroponic systems have been analyzed. There is information about the stimulating effect of the brown algae Ascophyllum nodosum and vermicompost extracts on the number of leaves and plant height, stem diameter, wet and dry weight of the stem, and quality traits of the cherry tomato [12]. Algal photosynthesis in culture media can supply O2, which is important for root respiration and growth [13,14]. Algae secrete growth stimulants, such as auxins, cytokinins, gibberellins, ethylene, and abscisic acid [15,16,17,18,19,20,21,22]. Algae has a stimulating influence on the balancing of the pH drop caused by nitrifying bacteria in the floating-raft aquaponic system. These organisms are more productive for nitrogen elimination than vegetables [23]. The negative influence of algae is caused by competition with high plants for nutrients, resulting in the clogging and growth of organic carbon content [14,24,25]. Moreover, algae could suppress plant growth due to the production of toxins [26].
Algae of the genus Chlorella are among the most commonly used algae in biotechnology [27,28,29,30,31,32,33,34,35,36,37]. Chlorella is very popular due to its rapid growth and ability to survive in a wide range of environmental conditions, including extreme levels of temperature, pH, salinity, and other factors [38].
There are some data regarding the use of Chlorella in hydroponics. In a previous study, hydroponic wastewater as a potential culture medium for Chlorella vulgaris growth was established, indicating that this alga efficiently eliminated nitrogen and phosphorus from hydroponic wastewater. This is important for recycling wastewater [39]. Chlorella vulgaris was effective in bioremediating hydroponic wastewater and producing biomass in different cultivation conditions [40]. During the co-cultivation of Swiss chard and Chlorella vulgaris, a high number of leaves (18.56%), total fresh weight (17.13%), and root volume (36.98%) in comparison with Swiss chard in Hoagland’s growth medium alone were observed [41]. When growing spinach in a floating culture with the addition of Chlorella vulgaris together with a mix of beneficial bacteria and mycorrhiza plant quality parameters, the total phenols, vitamin C, total soluble solids, chlorophyll, titratable acidity, iron, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, manganese, and zinc concentrations of the leaves increased. The nitrate concentration in the young spinach leaf was substantially reduced [42]. A study of different Chlorella strains in hydroponic horticulture of lettuce, pakchoi, rocket, spinach, and basil in residual waters of Oreochromis niloticus aquaculture with biofloc technology in different cultivation conditions revealed that wastewater with the addition of Chlorella sp. was the most favorable for growing plants [43]. Using Chlorella vulgaris for hydroponically grown lettuce made it possible to reduce mineral fertilizers up by to 60% [44].
However, despite the available publications, the biotechnological potential of Chlorella vulgaris in hydroponics has not yet been fully studied. This is especially true for a vegetable crop as valuable as a cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.). The cucumber plant belongs to the family Cucurbitaceae [45]. It is the most grown plant of this family. Cucumber belongs to the annual trailing plants. It has underground roots and an aboveground stem that grows on support. Cucumber has large-sized leaves, forming a canopy-like structure above its fruit. The cucumber is characterized as a fruit due to its dicotyledonous and covered seeds that emerge from the flowers [46].
The cucumber is a very old, cultivated plant that is grown in almost all countries of temperate zones [47]. Cucumbers contain many important nutrients, and they are a low-calorie valuable product [45]. It has been demonstrated to have various medicinal properties, including antimicrobial and antioxidant activities, as well as a glycemic-lowering ability. The antioxidant, anticholinesterase, and antimonoamine oxidase properties of cucumber and cabbage extracts have been reported. Moreover, cucumber extract inhibits lipid peroxidation in the human brain. Cucumber demonstrates enzyme-inhibiting properties, which are connected with neurodegenerative diseases. Cucumber extract contains phenolic compounds such as quercetin and gallic and caffeic acids. This plant produces a high range of different compounds that can protect against cancer and cardiovascular disease. These compounds also have anticancer activity. Various biologically active compounds, also called phytochemicals, are detected in cucumber. These belong to the alkaloids, flavonoids, steroids, saponins, tannins, and phlobatannins [48]. Cucumber is a very popular vegetable. The most popular varieties of cucumber originate from Europe, America, China, the Himalayan Mountains, and India [46]. In Asia, cucumber is the fourth most extensively grown vegetable after tomatoes, cabbage, and onion, and in Western Europe, it is the second crop after tomato [45,49]. It is necessary to note that the yield of cucumber from hydroponics is higher compared to that from cultivation in the soil (4727.38 g/plant and 4427.38 g/plant, respectively) [50].
The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of suspension of a Chlorella vulgaris authentic strain on the length and biomass of the shoots and roots of cucumbers in hydroponic conditions.

2. Materials and Methods

2.1. Description of Chlorella vulgaris Suspension and Strain Used in This Study

Chlorella vulgaris suspension is a pale green liquid containing liquid media, alga cells, and products of its metabolism. An authentic (reference) strain of Chlorella vulgaris Beijerinck (SAG 211-11b, BCAC 76, CCAP 211/11B, UTEX 259) was used in this study. An authentic (reference) strain is the strain on the basis of which the species is described. It is a reference sample with which other strains can be compared to determine their belonging to the species. Chlorella vulgaris SAG 211-11b was isolated in the year 1882 from a pool near Delft in the Netherlands, and it is the type species of the genus Chlorella [51,52]. The algae have a very simple morphology. The cells are ellipsoid or spherical with a diameter of 2.3–5.3 µm, up to 5.5 µm during autospore formation. The chloroplast is wide-lobed or cup-shaped, with 2–4 starch grains. (Figure 1). It is necessary to note that when using an authentic chlorella strain, we did not need to conduct the genetic confirmation of the accuracy of the species definition.

2.2. Preparation of Chlorella vulgaris Suspension

Chlorella culture was maintained on a Bold liquid medium [53]. At 2 months before the start of the experiments; the algae were transferred into a Knop solution [54] with the following salt solution (per 1 L of water): Ca(NO3)2—1 g, KH2PO4—0.25 g, MgSO4—0.25 g; KCl—0.125 g, FeCl3—0.0125 g. The Knop solution is very popular when cultivating plants in hydroponic systems. Chlorella vulgaris suspension was cultured on a Knop solution at a temperature of 25 ± 5 °C and a 12:12 h light:dark cycle for two weeks.
For morphological observation of algae, an Axio Imager A2 (Carl Zeiss, Oberkochen, Germany) equipped with Nomarski DIC optics was used. Chlorella micrographs were made by an Axio Cam MRC (Carl Zeiss, Germany) camera at magnification ×1000 with oil immersion using AxioVision 4.9.1 software.

2.3. Preparation of Cucumber Seeds and Simple Hydroponic System

Cucumber seeds of the F1 “Crane” variety were used in the experiments. The F1 “Crane” variety is an average early one, and the period of time between the emergence of the seedlings and the collection of the first fruits is about 45 days. The growth of the main stem is significant and can reach a height of up to 190 cm. The plant itself is braided and capable of overgrowing with many lateral shoots.
Cucumber seeds were soaked in distilled water in Petri dishes for germination for 3 days. For this purpose, 2 layers of filter paper were placed on the bottom of the Petri dish, and the seeds were laid out. Then, water was poured into the dish until it was completely moistened and covered with another layer of filter paper. The Petri dishes were incubated at a temperature of 25 °C away from direct light sources.
Glass cans with a volume of 150–200 mL were used as a simple hydroponic system (Figure 2). Such systems have been used in previous studies [14]. In this system, microalgae and plants can effectively grow together in a glass container. A Knop solution was added to the Chlorella vulgaris suspension at a ratio of 1:1. The density of chlorella cells in the final suspension was 106 algae cells per 1 mL. The density of the chlorella culture was determined using the Goryaev camera [55]. Then, the resulting suspension was poured into glass cans at a height of 3–4 cm so that it covered the root system of the cucumber plants (Figure 3A). The cans were covered with a polyethylene film, in which small holes were made to reduce evaporation (Figure 3B).
Germinated cucumber seeds were placed in cans with a suspension. The film was removed 6 days after the start of cultivation. The repeatability of the experiment was 100 (100 seeds and seedlings were tested in the experimental and control variants). Cucumber seedlings in the hydroponic system were cultivated for 14 days in natural light at a temperature of 20 °C. At the same time, the level of liquid in the cans was monitored. If necessary, it was topped up to the level of 3–4 cm.

2.4. Analysis of Experimental Results

The cucumber seedlings were taken out of cans and divided into shoots and roots. The length of the shoots and roots was measured using a ruler. To clarify the fine details of the morphology, a magnifying glass with 20-fold magnification was used. Parts of the seedlings were laid out on filter paper until completely dry. Then, the weight of each shoot and root was weighed on Ohaus Pioneer PA214C analytical scales.
During statistical analysis, the values of the arithmetic mean, its error, median, standard deviation, and coefficient of variation were calculated [56]. The reliability of the research results was determined using Student’s t-test [57]. The statistical analysis of the results was carried out using Statistica for Windows 10.0 software.

3. Results

The cucumber plants were grown on a nutrient medium with and without Chlorella suspension and did not differ from each other in appearance (Figure 4). Seedlings in both cases had a bright green color, with well-developed cotyledon leaves. The first true leaves in the experimental and control variants appeared on day 8, while the second real leaves began to form on day 12. The root system of the cucumbers by the fourteenth day of the experiment was well-developed in the experimental and control plants.
During the cultivation on a Knop medium with the addition of Chlorella suspension, the length of the shoots was shortened (Figure 5). This change was confirmed by a decrease in the arithmetic mean and median from 11.30 to 8.15 cm (Table 1). The standard deviation of the shoots’ length increased from 1.77 to 1.92, while for the roots’ length, it decreased from 3.80 to 3.44 (Table 1). Alga suspension caused a decrease in the roots’ length arithmetic mean from 16.41 to 10.59 cm and a reduction in the median from 16.05 to 10.35 cm (Table 1, Figure 6).
Chlorella suspension affected the increase in the coefficient of variation in the cucumber shoots’ length from 15.66% cm to 23.44% cm and of the roots’ length from 23.09% cm to 32.51% cm (Table 1). The decrease in the length of the shoots and roots was statistically significant according to Student’s t-test (Table 1).
In the experiment with Chlorella suspension, the arithmetic mean of the shoots’ dry biomass increased from 0.50 to 0.53 g (Table 1, Figure 7), but this change was not reliable according to Student’s t-test (Table 1). The insignificance of these alterations was confirmed by other statistical indicators. The standard deviation and median did not change. The coefficient of variation increased insignificantly from 21.00 to 21.72 (Table 1).
After using the Chlorella suspension, a significant increase in the arithmetic mean of the cucumber roots’ biomass from 0.04 to 0.05 g according to Student’s t-test was observed (Figure 8, Table 1). The increase in the median coincided with a change in the arithmetic mean. The values of the standard deviation and coefficient of variation decreased from 0.03 to 0.02 and from 59.60% to 37.02%, respectively (Table 1).
An increase in the cucumber shoots and roots biomass, together with a reduction in their length, is likely due to an increase in their thickness. It is likely that the suspension of the studied chlorella strain can activate the process of cucumber lateral growth, especially in the root zone.
It is known that the respiration rate of the roots in crops positively and linearly correlates with the level of dissolved O2 in the nutrient solution [57]. Thus, high levels of dissolved oxygen in nutrient solutions of an eco-hydroponic crop (agricultural crop + algae + hydroponic solution) were crucial for the respiration and root growth of crops and led to high yields and productivity [14].
It is likely that, in the hydroponic system with cucumber seedlings and Chlorella suspension, an increase in the root biomass was observed due to a high content of dissolved O2.

4. Discussion

Our investigation revealed that the addition of a suspension of Chlorella vulgaris into the Knop media caused a decrease in the cucumber shoot and root length, together with an increase in their dry biomass (Table 1, Figure 5, Figure 6, Figure 7 and Figure 8). Using several statistical indicators made it possible to estimate its influence more precisely. For example, the changes in the length and dry biomass of the shoots and roots were confirmed not only by the differences in the arithmetic mean but also by the median (Table 1). In the variants of the experiment with Chlorella suspension, a mostly increasing coefficient of variation was observed (Table 1). Only in the experiment regarding the roots’ dry biomass was a decrease in the coefficient of variation established.
It is necessary to note that roots are a basic plant organ that takes part in the consumption and transportation of water and nutrients, in the synthesis of biologically active substances (hormones, organic, and amino acids), and in fixing plants to the substrate [58,59]. Root biomass is one of the most important aspects of root functioning [60,61,62,63]. The dimensional and morphological characteristics of roots influence the size and development of the shoot and, therefore, future yields [58,64,65].
The grain yield of upland rice was raised in a quadratic fashion with an increase in the root length and roots’ dry weight. It was found that the roots’ dry weight was a better prognosticator of yield than the roots’ length or the shoots’ dry weight. Similar results were obtained for tropical legume cover crops [66,67].
Our research demonstrates that, under the influence of Chlorella vulgaris suspension, changes in the length of the shoots and roots do not always coincide with a difference in dry biomass. The change in biomass more accurately reflects the influence of algae since the shortening of shoots and roots was accompanied by an increase in their thickness.
It should be noted that reducing the length of the shoots and roots facilitates their further cultivation since shorter plants are less damaged if they are moved to other containers in the case of production necessity.
In our study, the positive influence of Chlorella vulgaris on cucumber roots’ dry biomass was detected. Very similar results were obtained in experiments with Chlorella vulgaris and Mentha spp. (mint) seedlings [68]. The maximal weight rise of the mint by 0.47 g was detected in the microalgae-containing and aerated variant of the experiment, while a minimal weight increase of 0.22 g was observed in the microalgae-free and non-aerated variant. The stimulating effect of Chlorella sorokiniana on maize roots was observed [69]. C. sorokiniana specifically increased the number of secondary roots. The promoting effect of Chlorella on the cucumber and tomato root and shoot growth was revealed during a study of this alga on the germination of the seeds of these plants [70]. The positive influence of algae on tomato roots has been detected in other studies [71]. During the co-cultivation of a tomato plant with algal inoculum, positive interactions between the microalgae and plant were detected. In these experiments, an increase in dissolved oxygen, together with effective root respiration, was observed. It is necessary to note that a highly developed root system supplies metabolic properties that activate nutrient uptake and accretion [71].
The growth of the cucumber root’s dry biomass after the influence of Chlorella vulgaris could be explained by the release of phytohormones or other biologically active substances produced by this alga. It is known that Chlorella vulgaris cells contain different amino acids, lipids, carbohydrates, pigments, and vitamins [35]. Chlorella cells are rich in macro- (Na, K, Ca, Mg, P) and microelements (Cr, Cu, Zn, Mn, Se, Fe), which are necessary for the functioning of plants [35]. This species demonstrated simulative effects on the expression of root traits and genes when connected with nutrient accession in sugar beet [72]. Representatives of the genus Chlorella (Chlorella pyrenoidosa and Chlorella minutissima) secreted auxin [17,19,20,21], which influenced root growth and development [73]. It was mentioned before that the algae stimulation mechanism is not clear and could be associated with the influence of several secondary metabolites [74]. Moreover, Chlorella vulgaris produces metabolites with antibiotic activity, which suppresses the growth of pathogenic microorganisms [74,75].
The positive effect of Chlorella species on growing plants in hydroponic systems has been discussed in previous investigations. The simulative effect of Chlorella infusionum on the development of tomato roots, root dry biomass, and root respiration rate was detected in a simple eco-hydroponic system [14]. The eco-hydroponic system consisted of a transparent container, algae-inoculated culture media, and materials for crop fixation.
Earlier, it was suggested that the influence of algae on hydroponic systems depends on the algal community (species), their density, growing plant, and climatic peculiarities [76]. Representatives of Chlorella mainly had a stimulating effect on these plants. As noted above, the positive effect of Chlorella suspension in hydroponics was discovered for a number of crops: tomato, maize, mint, Swiss chard, lettuce, pakchoi, rocket, spinach, and basil. This information, together with the results of our research, makes it possible to recommend algae of the genus Chlorella for wider use in the cultivation of agricultural plants on hydroponics. Moreover, the use of Chlorella not only saved on mineral nutrients but was provided an environmentally friendly approach.
The obtained results expand our knowledge of the authentic strain of Chlorella vulgaris, which is a kind of standard not only for the genus Chlorella but also for green algae in general. For a long time, strains of Chlorella have been used as model organisms in studies of plant physiology and biochemistry [77]. This strain was used in diverse biotechnological studies: the growth temperature range and fatty acid composition [78], the kinetics of growth and lipids accumulation during batch heterotrophic cultivation [79], the growth of the strains and associated bacteria in photobioreactors [80], the production of oligomannosidic glycans [81], and bio-compatible flotation [82].
However, the data regarding the use of authentic strains of Chlorella vulgaris for stimulating plant growth are very limited. This strain was applied to promote germination energy, germination, number, and the timing of ovaries, flowers, and fruits of Capsicum annuum L. (Bulgarian pepper) [83]. Chlorella suspension at a concentration of 2 × 106 cells/mL increased the seed germination energy by 12%. The yield of peppers in the experimental group when adding Chlorella suspension was higher by 44% than the yield of the control group without suspension application. At the end of the growing season, the control plants exhibited signs of disease. Peppers treated with the suspension remained healthy, which indicated the strengthening of plant immunity.
The results of our study demonstrate that the authentic strain of Chlorella vulgaris has great potential for use in agriculture. New data regarding the possibility of a reference strain of Chlorella vulgaris to increase the dry biomass of cucumber root could make it possible for use as a growth promoter separately or as part of complex biological products. In addition, this strain is stored in many algae collections [84] and can be used by a wide range of researchers and the business community.
Thus, this study examining the influence of the authentic strain of Chlorella vulgaris on cucumber seedlings in a hydroponic system revealed the stimulative effect of alga on the roots’ biomass, which allows us to recommend it as a biostimulator for growth in hydroponic systems and for wider use in agriculture.

Author Contributions

Conceptualization, L.A.G. and N.V.S.; methodology, L.A.G.; software, L.A.G.; validation, G.I.V., D.F.K. and R.Z.A.; formal analysis, G.I.V.; investigation, G.I.V., D.F.K. and R.Z.A.; resources, L.A.G.; data curation, G.I.V.; writing—original draft preparation, G.I.V.; writing—review and editing, L.A.G., N.V.S. and R.Z.A.; visualization, G.I.V. and L.A.G.; supervision, L.A.G.; project administration, L.A.G.; funding acquisition, L.A.G. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.

Funding

This research was funded by the Ministry of Education of the Russian Federation, grant number BWUZ-2023-0006.

Institutional Review Board Statement

Not applicable.

Informed Consent Statement

Not applicable.

Data Availability Statement

Not applicable.

Acknowledgments

The authors are thankful to Yu. Z. Gabidullin for their help with the preparation of the figures.

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

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Figure 1. Morphology of the authentic strain of Chlorella vulgaris. Scale bar—10 µm.
Figure 1. Morphology of the authentic strain of Chlorella vulgaris. Scale bar—10 µm.
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Figure 2. General view of the simple hydroponic system.
Figure 2. General view of the simple hydroponic system.
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Figure 3. Peculiarities of the simple hydroponic system. (A) Cucumber seedling after 1 day of transfer to hydroponic system. The roots are covered by liquid; (B) Seedling after 4 days of cultivation in can, covered by polyethylene film.
Figure 3. Peculiarities of the simple hydroponic system. (A) Cucumber seedling after 1 day of transfer to hydroponic system. The roots are covered by liquid; (B) Seedling after 4 days of cultivation in can, covered by polyethylene film.
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Figure 4. Cucumber seedlings after 14 days of cultivation. (A) Knop medium, (B) Chlorella vulgaris suspension.
Figure 4. Cucumber seedlings after 14 days of cultivation. (A) Knop medium, (B) Chlorella vulgaris suspension.
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Figure 5. Influence of Chlorella vulgaris suspension on Cucumis sativus shoots length. Blue dots correspond to attribute values in the Knop solution; orange dots mean attribute values in Chlorella vulgaris suspension.
Figure 5. Influence of Chlorella vulgaris suspension on Cucumis sativus shoots length. Blue dots correspond to attribute values in the Knop solution; orange dots mean attribute values in Chlorella vulgaris suspension.
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Figure 6. Influence of Chlorella vulgaris suspension on Cucumis sativus roots length. Blue dots correspond to attribute values in the Knop solution; orange dots mean attribute values in Chlorella vulgaris suspension.
Figure 6. Influence of Chlorella vulgaris suspension on Cucumis sativus roots length. Blue dots correspond to attribute values in the Knop solution; orange dots mean attribute values in Chlorella vulgaris suspension.
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Figure 7. Influence of Chlorella vulgaris suspension on Cucumis sativus shoots dry biomass. Blue dots correspond to attribute values in the Knop solution; orange dots mean attribute values in Chlorella vulgaris suspension.
Figure 7. Influence of Chlorella vulgaris suspension on Cucumis sativus shoots dry biomass. Blue dots correspond to attribute values in the Knop solution; orange dots mean attribute values in Chlorella vulgaris suspension.
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Figure 8. Influence of Chlorella vulgaris suspension on Cucumis sativus root dry biomass. Blue dots correspond to attribute values in the Knop solution; orange dots mean attribute values in Chlorella vulgaris suspension.
Figure 8. Influence of Chlorella vulgaris suspension on Cucumis sativus root dry biomass. Blue dots correspond to attribute values in the Knop solution; orange dots mean attribute values in Chlorella vulgaris suspension.
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Table
Table 1. The effect of Chlorella vulgaris suspension on the length of shoots and roots of cucumbers.
Table 1. The effect of Chlorella vulgaris suspension on the length of shoots and roots of cucumbers.
Variant of ExperimentXminXmaxX ± SσMeCV, %t
Shoots length, cm
Knop medium8.0015.2011.30 ± 0.181.7711.3015.66-
Chlorella suspension4.8013.508.15 ± 0.191.928.1523.4412.07 *
Roots length, cm
Knop medium8.0027.1016.41 ± 0.383.8016.0523.09-
Chlorella suspension4.4019.9010.59 ± 0.343.4410.3532.5111.38 *
Shoots dry biomass, g
Knop medium0.280.770.50 ± 0.010.110.4921.00-
Chlorella suspension0.360.900.53 ± 0.010.110.4921.721.48
Roots dry biomass, g
Knop medium0.0010.120.04 ± 0.0030.030.0459.60-
Chlorella suspension0.020.110.05 ± 0.0020.020.0537.022.31 *
Notes. The number of measurements was 100. Xmin—minimum value of the attribute; Xmax—the maximum value of the attribute; X ± S—arithmetic mean and its error; Me—median; σ—standard deviation; CV—coefficient of variation; t—the values of Student’s coefficient. * marks the reliable values of Student’s criterion at p = 0.05.
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Vildanova, G.I.; Allaguvatova, R.Z.; Kunsbaeva, D.F.; Sukhanova, N.V.; Gaysina, L.A. Application of Chlorella vulgaris Beijerinck as a Biostimulant for Growing Cucumber Seedlings in Hydroponics. BioTech 2023, 12, 42. https://doi.org/10.3390/biotech12020042

AMA Style

Vildanova GI, Allaguvatova RZ, Kunsbaeva DF, Sukhanova NV, Gaysina LA. Application of Chlorella vulgaris Beijerinck as a Biostimulant for Growing Cucumber Seedlings in Hydroponics. BioTech. 2023; 12(2):42. https://doi.org/10.3390/biotech12020042

Chicago/Turabian Style

Vildanova, Galiya I., Rezeda Z. Allaguvatova, Dina F. Kunsbaeva, Natalia V. Sukhanova, and Lira A. Gaysina. 2023. "Application of Chlorella vulgaris Beijerinck as a Biostimulant for Growing Cucumber Seedlings in Hydroponics" BioTech 12, no. 2: 42. https://doi.org/10.3390/biotech12020042

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