Soybean is sensitive to salinity, which reduces germination, photochemical indicators, and seedling performance. However, biopriming alleviates the adverse effects of this stress, maintaining values close to or statistically similar to non-stressed plants (control), confirming the initial hypothesis. Furthermore, the microalga Parachlorella sp. showed synergy with B. subtilis and T. harzianum, positively contributing to soybean seeds and seedlings.
NaCl-induced salt stress drastically decreases osmotic potential and cell turgor [21, 22], impairing plant vigor, particularly the physiological characteristics of seeds and seedlings. This impact on phenotypic responses of shoots and roots was observed in this study and corroborates the findings of Soares et al. [23], where soybean seedlings were adversely affected by salt stress.
Exposure of seeds to salinity hinders imbibition, damaging germination potential due to reduced osmotic potential [24]. It also obstructs the release of reserves for the embryonic axis [5], altering the vigor pattern of normal seedlings. These effects are caused by excess Na+ and Cl–, leading to ionic, osmotic, and oxidative stress [25]. These stresses trigger the overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) that affect respiratory metabolism, seed physiology, and genetic integrity [26, 27].
Under salt stress, cell membrane integrity is compromised, as evidenced by an increased rate of electrolyte leakage due to ROS overproduction [28]. This condition alters kinetic fluorescence dynamics, indicated by increased NPQ_Lss. However, bioinputs favored the homeostasis of the seedlings' photochemical apparatus, suggesting improved electron utilization, minimizing dissipation, and increasing QY_Max.
The increase in germination indicators with biopriming demonstrates that bioinputs create better physiological conditions for seeds to germinate and invest in biomass accumulation even under adverse conditions (NaCl). The bioinputs assessed, as per to Hashem et al. [14] and Alghuthaymi et al. [15], modulate amino acid synthesis, favoring osmoregulation and enhancing antioxidant enzyme activity, leading to detoxification, cellular repair, and a reduction in abnormal seedlings, as observed in this study.
The effects of bioinputs in this study are varied and involve different mechanisms of action. The microalga Parachlorella sp. contains phytohormones such as abscisic and gibberellic acids, which, although not contributing in isolation to germination indicators, efficiently influenced seed physiology, promoting cell elongation and root growth [11, 29, 30].
Additionally, Chandra et al. [31] highlight that the polysaccharides in microalgae act as functional groups connecting with essential microelements in seedling nutrition, suggesting a biofertilizing action. The microalga extract also contains amino acids that aid in osmoregulation [10], making it an important tolerance strategy.
Inoculation with B. subtilis regulates plant growth, particularly by promoting root growth [32]. This bacterial group enhances auxin synthesis and secretes enzymes that protect metabolism and induce root expansion [33–35].
T. harzianum aids in seed germination [36, 37]. Studies indicate that activating jasmonic acid, auxin, and other pathways induces tolerance to abiotic stress [38, 39]. T. harzianum also stimulates the production of osmolytes and increases antioxidant enzyme activity, protecting against oxidative stress by eliminating ROS and recycling ascorbate and glutathione, previously oxidized by stressors [40–42].
Considering the beneficial effects of the association of microalgae with other microorganisms, we pose the following question: how do microalgae Parachlorella sp., B. subtilis, and T. harzianum act synergistically? According to Solomon et al. [43], this relationship is beneficial as microalgae produce O2 and extracellular products such as carbohydrates and proteins. In return, the other microorganisms provide microalgae with CO2, vitamins, nutrients, and other essential constituents, maintaining a symbiotic relationship. These synthesized constituents benefit seedlings, promoting growth and inducing tolerance.
The best results with bioinputs, especially under salt conditions, underscore their mitigating role through oxidative protection mechanisms, along with biofertilizing and biostimulating effects. Gul et al. [44] reported increased biomass of Triticum aestivum L. under salt stress, attributing this response to signaling and hormonal synthesis, which contribute to cell differentiation and the accumulation of photoassimilates.
In a practical context, biopriming enhances seed physiology, germination, and seedling emergence, leading to faster establishment and better stress tolerance mechanisms. The bioinputs assessed here are widely available, accessible, and manageable for rural producers.
This study demonstrates that the bioinputs assessed, particularly the combination of microalgae with other microorganisms, are beneficial and often superior to isolated applications. They provide protection against adversities like salinity and promote tolerance, sustainable development goals (SDGs), and bioeconomy. These positive responses are due to biomolecules synthesized by these bioinputs, resulting in better seedling performance.
Further studies are recommended to determine the activity of antioxidant enzymes and better understand the modes of action of these bioinputs in inducing tolerance to salinity in the studied cultivar.