Organic biostimulants for vegetative growth of sugarcane (Saccharum spp.) in the nursery

Objective: To evaluate the effect of organic root enhancers (mycorrhizae, humic acid soil conditioner, and seaweed extracts) on the vegetative growth of sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.) seedlings under nursery Conditions. Design/methodology/approach: A completely randomized block design was used with four treatments: mycorrhizae, Bio-Organik® (based on humic acids), AlgaBest® (seaweed extract), and a control (Control); and five replicates. Destructive sampling was carried out at 15, 30, 45, 60, and 75 days after sowing (DAS), to measure plant height, root length, and root biomass. Results: Mycorrhizae significantly increased plant height at 30 DAS (58.8 cm vs. 49.2 cm control). The seaweed extract enhanced early root biomass (0.19 g at 15 DAS), and late-stage root length (44.8 cm at 75 DAS). Both treatments outperformed the control (Tukey, *p* ≤ 0.05). Limitations on study/implications: There was variable efficacy across growth stages; long-term field validation is needed. Findings/conclusions: Organic biostimulants improve sugarcane seedling biomass, with mycorrhizae and seaweed extracts showing specific benefits for each stage. These offer sustainable alternatives for nursery propagation.