19. A retrospective review and contemporary aspects of the use of the green Alga Chlorella vulgaris in agriculture

Author: Tatyana Bileva

DOI: n/a

Abstract

In recent years great attention has been given to the application of both ecological friendly methods against soil–born pathogens and organic amendments for improving soil quality. Green algae widespread in nature actively take part in improving the soil fertility and increasing the crop yields.

The aim of the review is to present summarized information about different application aspects of the unicellular green alga Chlorella vulgaris in agriculture, the world experience as well as the results of our investigation carried out in Bulgaria in the last 10 years. The greatest attention is given to the use of Chlorella in horticulture and viticulture. Chlorella has a growth factor that strengthens the immunity of the plants and makes them resistant to environmental influences. In the review, a particular attention is paid to studies in which biological products have been used for control of plant-parasitic nematodes which cause more than 50% of crop diseases and in regards to new trends in sustainable agriculture.