Integrating shade and microbial biostimulants in mangrove seedling nurseries: A field-based evaluation of Bruguiera gymnorrhiza for tidal rehabilitation success

This study examined the growth performance of Bruguiera gymnorrhiza seedlings in a tidal nursery, employing a split-plot design that incorporated three shade levels (0%, 45%, 80%) and three varying biostimulant doses (0, 10, 30 g).Physiological indicators, morphological traits, biomass allocation, seedling quality, and microclimate variables were evaluated.Shading markedly improved seedling performance compared to non-shaded conditions, enhancing leaf greenness, photosynthetic efficiency, height growth, leaf development, and overall quality index.Among the treatments, 45% shade yielded the highest growth responses, though its performance was statistically similar to that of 80% shade.Biostimulants demonstrated a restricted impact, affecting solely the photosynthetic rate, with 10 g and 30 g doses exhibiting comparable enhancements compared to the control group.No interaction between shade and biostimulants was observed, indicating that the effects of biostimulant application had not manifested during the brief nursery period.The findings indicate that moderate shading significantly influences the early vigor of B. gymnorrhiza seedlings in tidal environments, offering practical recommendations for enhancing nursery protocols to facilitate cost-effective mangrove rehabilitation.