The Utilisation of Fucus vesiculosus Algae Extracts in the Production of Microgreens Hordeum vulgare L. with an Increased Content of Selected Bioactive Compounds

Algae extracts may be a promising alternative to harmful chemicals and pesticides used commercially in the cultivation of plants with higher nutritional and health-promoting values. The cultivation of barley microgreens (<i>Hordeum vulgare</i> L.) was facilitated by the use of aqueous extracts from <i>Fucus vesiculosus</i> algae, which served as a biostimulant. Seeds for experiments were produced in accordance with EU standards, certified as organic and used to grow plants in a controlled pot experiment. A qualitative analysis of the extract, which was used to irrigate the plants, was also performed in this study, as well as stimulating properties by activating the system protecting against oxidative stress. Total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFV) and enzymes involved in their formation such as phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL) and polyphenol oxidase (PPO), as well as enzymes involved in the removal of reactive oxygen species such as catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD), were determined in the obtained microgreen samples. Antioxidant activity against DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) was also evaluated. A noticeable increase in SOD content and antioxidant activity against DPPH was observed in barley microgreen samples after extract treatment. These results suggest that the use of extracts of this beneficial alga can enhance the antioxidant activity of the barley microgreens.