Effect of Bio-fertilization with Two Types of Algae on Some Physiological Characteristics of Date Palm Phoenix dactylifera Seedlings

Abstract

Recently, Biofertilizers, including algae, emerge as harmless and ecofriendly fertilizers. This study investigated a comparison between two algal methanolic extracts; Enteromorpha intestinalis and Chara vulgaris. Methods involved the foliar spraying of the two extracts separately on Date palm leaves, measuring several parameters in the leaves. Results showed a low 325.5mg/100g, moderate 14.31mg/g and significant 15.40mg/g increment of proteins, carbohydrates, and phenols, respectively, comparing to control in the leaves sprayed with E. intestinalis extract, whereas, spraying leaves with C. vulgaris extract raised the amount of carbohydrates significantly 16.98mg/g, and the phenols moderately 15.89mg/g , while reduced the proteins content 325.5mg/100g comparing to control. Additionally, both algal extracts reduced the total chlorophyll and carotenes pigments 5.529 mg/100 g, 6.82mg/100g and 0. 020mg/100 g, 0.022mg/100 g comparing to control applied in the experiments. It could be concluded the possibility of utilizing algal extract as alternatives to chemical fertilizer or environmentally friendly and harmless natural stimulants to enhance the Date palm growth. Nevertheless, extraction and spraying methods should be selected appropriately.