ORIGINAL RESEARCH
Ability of Cyanobacteria and Green Algae
to Improve Metabolic Activity and Development
of Willow Plants
Mieczysław Grzesik1, Zdzisława Romanowska-Duda2
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1Research Institute of Horticulture, Konstytucji 3 Maja 1/3, 96-100 Skierniewice, Poland
2Department of Ecophysiology and Plant Development, University of Lodz, Banacha 12/16, 90-237 Lodz, Poland
Submission date: 2014-09-07
Final revision date: 2014-12-01
Acceptance date: 2014-12-03
Publication date: 2015-05-20
Pol. J. Environ. Stud. 2015;24(3):1003-1012
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ABSTRACT
The ability of Cyanobacteria and green algae to improve physiological activity and plant development
gives a promising perspective and has a useful potential in practice, although literature concerning this issue
is scanty. The purpose of this study was to assess the influence of two species of Cyanobacteria (Microcystis
aeruginosa MKR 0105, Anabaena sp. PCC 7120) and one of green algae (Chlorella sp.) on select physiological
processes, determining rooting of cuttings and the subsequent growth of willow (Salix viminalis L.) plants.
Two procedures were used to apply sonicated and unsonicated monocultures of Cyanobacteria and green
algae to woody cuttings: (i) four-day soaking of cuttings which were then rooted in universal horticulture substrate
in a vegetation chamber or in a field and watered with tap water, and (ii) moistening the substrate in
which the untreated cuttings were subsequently rooted and plants were grown. The cuttings treated with water,
GA3, IBA, Bio-Algeen S90, and environmental sample were the control. The results show that the used monocultures
of Cyanobacteria and green algae significantly stimulated some metabolic processes, thus having an
important impact on plant development. Their application increased the stability of cytomembranes and intensified
activity of net photosynthesis, transpiration, stomatal conductance, dehydrogenases, RNase, acid, and
alkaline phosphatase, and decreased intercellular CO2 concentration in the rooted cuttings and plants. These
physiological events caused increased rooting of willow cuttings and plant growth under laboratory and field
conditions.