Because of the safe use of biostimulants as they are eco-friendly and modern technique for substituting chemical fertilizers which have negative impacts on the environment. Therefore, this study was conducted to determine the effect of two biostimulants, Spirulina platensis and Trifolium alexandrinum on soil properties, growth and yield of pea (Pisum sativum L.) grown under silty clay soil conditions. The field experiment was carried out during the winter season by applying each fertilizer to the cultivated soil at 3 concentrations (2.5, 5 and 10 g) either singly or in combination, forming 15 treatments in addition to control. It was found that the vegetative growth parameters as well as, yield components were significantly increased by two fertilizers applied singly or in combination. In comparison with control, the highest concentration of combined treatment (10 g) significantly increased shoot length, number of leaves, leaf area and number of branches by 145, 200, 300 and 100 % respectively. Furthermore, the combined treatment (10 g) showed the highest values of the number of pods (8), pod length (12 cm), no. of seeds (13) and dry weight of seeds (21.5 g), compared to control. Biostimulants boosted the plant growth and yield by enhancing the estimated parameters. Also, the physicochemical properties and mineral status of soil were improved after the application of the biostimulants. The current study indicates that the single and combined treatments of Spirulina platensis and Trifolium alexandrinum may potentially increase soil fertility and enhance the growth and yield of pea.

Pot experiment was conducted to evaluate the impact of exogenous foliar spray of GB on vegetative growth and some biochemical aspects of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) in the presence of salt. GB was applied to four concentrations (0, 25, 50, and 75 mM) under salt concentration, 150 mM NaCl in addition to the control. salt stress decreases all the growth parameters and negatively affects photosynthetic pigments as well as relative water content and protein. However, the foliar spray of GB increases these parameters, especially at a concentration of 50 mM. Regarding carbohydrates, total phenolics, flavonoids and antioxidant activity increased under salt stress compared to control also GB foliar spray induced the accumulation of them. Moreover, these parameters increase by increasing the concentration of GB. More than others, GB reduces the entry of deleterious ions (Na+ and Cl-), in contrast, boosts the accumulation of Ca2+ and K+. These results suggest that foliar spray of GB can enhance the growth and tolerance of fenugreek under saline conditions.

This study can professionally discuss the ability of Ocimum basilicum to the accumulation of one heavy metal like Cd but has a different solubility. Phytoremediation is required along with modifying chelates to enhance the elimination capacity of the metal. The study was conducted to determine the effect of amendment materials like EDTA on Cd uptake from the soil and translocation to roots and shoots of O. basilicum. Pot experiment in randomized design was applied 5 and 10 mg/kg soil in two forms, CdCl2 and CdCO3, and the effect of EDTA. The results revealed that the concentration of Cd in O. basilicum was higher in case of Cd with high solubility (CdCl2) and EDTA significantly increase the ability of the plant to accumulation of various Cd forms especially with low solubility (CdCO3). The calculating translocation factor and enrichment factor were more than 1 indicating O. basilicumis hyperaccumulator and good enough for phyto extraction of Cd.

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