The effect of the application of cyanobacterial biofertilizers from the genus Nostoc on the quantitative parameters of the species Monarda fistulosa L.

Abstract

The present study evaluates the effects of cyanobacterial biofertilizers from the genus Nostoc (N. gelatinosum, N. punctiforme, N. linckia) on the growth, biomass accumulation, and essential oil content of Monarda fistulosa L. cultivated under open-field conditions. Experiments were conducted in 2024 in Dobrogea, Sîngera, Moldova, using three application rates (20, 30, and 40 kg/ha) with untreated plants as control. Results indicated that cyanobacterial biofertilizers significantly increased plant height and green biomass, with the highest effects observed at 40 kg/ha. Essential oil content showed a slight, non-significant increase (0.02--0.05 %) compared to control, likely influenced by drought conditions. The study confirms that Nostoc-based biofertilizers enhance plant productivity and represent an ecologically sustainable alternative to chemical fertilizers, improving soil quality and promoting growth of medicinal plants.