EXPLORING THE BIOFERTILIZATION EFFICIENCY OF CHLORELLA VULGARIS ON TOMATO (LYCOPERSICON ESCULENTUM L.) GROWTH AND PRODUCTIVITY

Abstract

Rising global populations have intensified food demand, driving the excessive use of synthetic fertilizers, which degrade soil quality and contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. As a sustainable alternative, algal biofertilizers—especially those derived from Chlorella vulgaris—present a promising strategy to boost crop productivity while preserving ecological balance. This study examined the impact of a Chlorella vulgaris-based biofertilizer on the growth and biochemical parameters of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum L.). The nutrient-rich microalga C. vulgaris was cultivated in Bold’s Basal Medium, identified via microscopy, PCR, and Sanger sequencing, and formulated into a biofertilizer (OD 0.27). Tomato seedlings were assigned to three treatments: control, Chlorella-treated, and urea-treated. Plants receiving the Chlorella biofertilizer exhibited enhanced growth, including increased root length, leaf number, and plant height. Biochemical analyses revealed higher levels of chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, and carotenoids, reflecting improved photosynthetic activity and overall plant health, while elevated proline levels indicated a mild stress response. These results underscore the potential of Chlorella vulgaris as a sustainable biofertilizer for improving plant growth, though further research is needed to fully elucidate plant stress mechanisms prior to large-scale application.