Determination of Major Phytohormones in Iranian Seaweeds: Insights into Marine Biotechnology Applications in the Food Industry

Rising demand for food products has significantly increased the use of chemical fertilizers to improve agricultural yields. However, the careless and excessive use of these fertilizers can lead to soil and water pollution. Biofertilizers present an economically attractive and environmentally friendly alternative that enhances soil productivity both directly and indirectly. Macroalgae, a diverse group of eukaryotic organisms, are rich in primary and secondary metabolites with high biological activities, such as polysaccharides, proteins, unsaturated fatty acids, pigments, and phytohormones. The positive growth effects of algal extracts on crops like wheat, maize, and several medicinal plants are partly due to the presence of different phytohormones, particularly auxins. Continuing our research on the auxin contents of various Iranian macroalgae, we conducted a screening study to identify these macroalgae with the highest auxin concentrations, making them potential plant bio-stimulants. For this purpose, we measured the concentrations of three major auxins: indole-۳-acetic acid (IAA), indole-۳-propionic acid (IPA), and indole-۳-butyric acid (IBA) in twenty species of red, brown, and green macroalgae gathered from the intertidal zones of the southern coastal area of Iran. The ultrasonic extraction of active compounds was followed by HPLC analysis. Auxins were detected in ۱۴ samples, with IAA concentrations ranging from ۰.۴۳-۱۳.۰۴ ng/g (dry weight), IPA from ۲-۱۱۳ ng/g DW, and IBA from ۱.۹۹-۷.۹۷ ng/g DW. The highest content of the triple auxins was found in the brown algae Nizamuddin zanardini, consistent with previous studies.

کلیدواژه ها:

Macroalgae ، Auxins ، Biofertilizer ، HPLC analysis ، Southern Iranian Coastal Area