The Promoting Effect of the Extract of Blue Green Alga Nostoc muscorum (Agardh ex Born.et Flah.1888) in Seed Germination of Groundnut (Arachis hypogea L.)

Algae are also considered as rich source of fats, vitamins, minerals and antimicrobial compounds. It was also observed that the algae are found to be stimulatory for the seed germination and plant growth. In present work extracts of blue green alga Nostoc muscorum in different solvents were used to study their effects on seed germination of ground nut (Arachis hypogeaL. ) The hot water extract showed enhancing effects in germination and development of shoot and root. The algal extracts prepared in chloroform also shown stimulatory effects on seed germination. The extracts in Petroleum ether and Tolune inhibited seed germination. The present investigation reveals that blue green alga Nostoc muscorum contains certain growth promoting substances which enhances seed germination. Use of hot water algal extract can be recommended to the farmers as ecofriendly agriculture practice for attaining better germination and growth which yields crop production.