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Effect of seaweed liquid extract on growth and yield of Triticum aestivum var. Pusa Gold
Journal of Applied Phycology
Abstract
The effect of seaweed liquid extract (SLE) of Sargassum wightii on germination, growth and yield of Triticum aestivum var. Pusa Gold was studied. Application of a lower concentration (20%) of SLE enhanced the percentage of seed germination,
growth and yield, as measured by kernel number and seed dry weight. All growth and yield parameters were found to be highest
at the 20% concentration SLE treatment. Total (100%) seed germination was observed for the 20% concentration SLE treatment,
an 11% increase over the control. The present study demonstrated that seaweed liquid extract could serve as an alternative
biofertilizer as is eco-friendly, cheaper, deliver substantial economic and environmental benefits to farmers.
KeywordsBiofertilizer–Germination–
Sargassum wightii
–Phaeophyta
... The presence of natural plant growth regulators, such as auxins, cytokinins, and gibberellins, further contributes to the biofertilizer's effectiveness in enhancing plant growth parameters [4]. Seaweed extracts have shown their effectiveness in helping plants defend against various environmental stresses caused by harsh conditions such as drought, salinity, high or low temperature, and deficiency of essential elements [5]. The enhancement of plant resistance is typically associated with the increased production of proteins and metabolites that inhibit pathogens. ...
... A series 250 mL conical flask contains adsorbent dosages and 50 mL of different concertation at various initial pH regimes, which are adjusted with 0.1 M HCl and/or 1.0 M NaOH solutions. Sorption of MO on TAM ® was investigated as functions of adsorbent dose (0.95-0.4 g L − 1 ), initial pH value (1)(2)(3)(4)(5)(6)(7)(8)(9)(10)(11), temperature (20-60 °C), initial MO dye concentration (15-150 mg L − 1 ), and time intervals (5-180 min) under the aspects of sorption kinetics, sorption isotherms, thermodynamic, and regeneration studies. In a 250 mL conical flask, combine the chosen adsorbent and sorption solution (with the specified concentration and pH). ...
... This was more than enough time for equilibrium since the flasks were swirled on the orbital shaker at 150 rpm for 180 min. Samples were taken out of the flasks to be filtered at predefined intervals of time (5,10,15,30,60,120, and 180 min). Using a UV/VIS spectrophotometer (Jenway 6305) with a maximum wavelength of 480 nm, the remaining MO concentration in the supernatant liquid was evaluated. ...
The revolutionary applications of seaweed extracts show promising potential to change the way of research and commercial applications based on seaweed. A commercial liquid extract (True Algae Max, TAM®), derived from three seaweed species (Pterocladiella capillacea, Jania rubens, and Ulva lactuca), contains a variety of several nutrients, bioactive compounds, and biomolecules, thereby exhibiting potent biological activities. Due to their extensive industrial use, organic dyes constitute a substantial constituent of wastewater. The adsorption process of anionic methyl orange (MO) dyes onto TAM® in an aqueous solution as a potential and a new adsorbent has been investigated. Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), Mass spectra, and Infrared analysis (FT-IR) were applied to verify the adsorption performance. Batch adsorption experiments were performed to estimate the influence of several factors such as pH, the amount of TAM® sorbent, temperature, agitating time, and initial concentration of MO dye parameters. Maximum dye adsorption of 90.34%and 46.09 mg g–1 was recorded at doses of biomass at 0.4 g and 16.88 mg g− 1 at pH 1. Adsorption kinetics data were investigated by the first, pseudo-second-order, and intraparticle diffusion models. Kinetic studies showed that the adsorption process was followed by intraparticle diffusion models and a pseudo-second-order reaction. The investigational isotherm data were studied using four isotherm models to evaluate the adsorption equilibrium using regression analysis. With maximum sorption capacities of 156.25 mg g− 1 for MO. Regeneration of the consumed adsorbent was effectively emphasized for two cycles of desorption/sorption process for MO removal from the aqueous solution. According to the findings, TAM® biomass is a novel, inexpensive alternative adsorbent that shows promise for removing MO from aqueous solutions. Additionally, the usage of TAM’s methanol extract exhibits substantial antibacterial action at concentrations of 500 mg ml− 1 against Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella typhimurium, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and 250 mg ml− 1 against Escherichia coli.
... Regarding interactions, butter beans treated with seaweed extract 5 % under polyhouse conditions (G1B3) produced the maximum pod yield per hectare (4.98 t/ha) and the lowest yield (2.96 t/ha) was noted in the control group under open field conditions (G2B1). Previous studies (23,24) have shown that foliar application of crude extracts from Macrocystis integrifolia and Ecklonia maxima enhances pod yield in beans. This finding is supported (28) where applying Kelpak 66 seaweed liquid extract foliarly increased bean yields by 24 %. ...
... Specifically, the combination of seaweed extract 5 % under polyhouse conditions (G1B3) resulted in the maximum number of pods per cluster (6.78) and the minimum number of pods per plant (4.41) was recorded in the control group under open field conditions (G2B1). The findings are consistent with those of earlier findings(23,24), where increased bean pod yield, number of pods per plant and number of pods per cluster were reported after applying foliar sprays of crude extracts from Macrocystis integrifolia and Ecklonia maxima.Number of pods per plantSignificant differences were noted in the number of pods per plant in butter beans treated with various biostimulants under both open and protected growing conditions (Table 3). Under polyhouse conditions (G1), plants produced more pods (87.85) compared to those in the open field (G2), which had 78.35 pods. ...
Butter beans (Phaseolus lunatus) are prized for their significant nutraceutical benefits, which are crucial in addressing malnutrition in developing countries. Given their nutritional advantages, global cultivation demand is increasing. This study aims to boost production and improve crop quality through effective agronomic practices. To minimize dependence on synthetic chemicals, the study investigates the use of biostimulants as an alternative, offering a promising method for enhancing crop growth and performance. The experiment took place under 2 different conditions: polyhouse (G1) and open field condition (G2) at Horticultural and Forestry Research Station, Kodaikanal, from December 2023 to June 2024. Various biostimulants were applied in foliar parts in different doses: control (B1) seaweed extract at 3 % (B2) and 5 % (B3), panchagavya at 3 % (B4) and 5 % (B5), vermiwash at 5 % (B6) and 10 % (B7) and fulvic acid at 6 g/L (B8) and 9 g/L (B9), each replicated 3 times. Among the treatment combinations, G1B3 (seaweed extract 5 % under polyhouse condition) was most effective in all growth, yield and quality parameters including days to first flower emergence (48.50 days), number of pods per plant (96.33), pod yield (4.98 t/ha), highest soluble protein (37.36 %) than G2B1 (control group under open field condition). It resulted in a greater number of days for flower emergence (57.85 days), lowest values in number of pods per plant (69.91), pod yield (2.96 t/ha) and soluble protein (24.69 %). These findings suggest that seaweed extract has great potential as a sustainable agricultural input, enhancing productivity and crop performance in butter bean cultivation. The main goals were to investigate how different biostimulants and growing conditions affect the growth and yield of butter beans and to identify effective organic growth promoters that could improve the yield and quality of butter bean crops in various growing environments. The results of this study are discussed in the following sections.
... This observation shows that low fucoidans concentrations of 1.0 mg/L LMF and HMF induced seed germination of more than 90% germination over control in eggplant, whereas in finger millet, 41 and 46%, respectively. Similarly, a low concentration of seaweed liquid extract affecting increased seed germination in fruits and vegetable crops was observed (Kumar and Sahoo 2011;Vinoth et al. 2012;Latique et al. 2013;Rupawalla et al. 2022). Seaweeds contain precursors of elicitor compounds and polysaccharides, which can facilitate seed germination, its growth, and plant health maintenance (Nabti et al. 2017). ...
... From the above observations on the effect of fucoidan fractions on growth characteristics eggplant alone was taken up for assessing the callus induction and direct organogenesis study. Similar to this extracted fucoidans effect observed in this study, extracts of seaweeds Gracilaria edulis and Sargassum wightii promoted 20% seedling growth in tomatoes (Kumar and Sahoo 2011). An increase in germination, seedling growth and some metabolic processes of Vicia faba L. were recorded by the seaweed extract of Cladophora dalmatica. ...
Bioactive ingredients derived from brown algae have been extensively used in the food, medicine, and cosmetic industries. In this study, fucoidans of low and high molecular fractions (LMF and HMF) extracted and isolated from brown alga Turbinaria decurrens were analyzed for their efficacy on seed germination, seedling growth, callus induction, direct organogenesis, and adventitious root formation in eggplant and finger millet. The yield and sugar content of LMF were higher than HMF. FTIR confirmed that the isolated fractions containing fucoidan has more sulfate groups in HMF than in LMF. The results showed an enhanced seed germination and seedling growth in both crops. In eggplant, 1 mg/L LMF treatment showed the maximum germination (91.6%), whereas, in finger millet, 0.1 and 0.5 mg/L LMF recorded a substantial increase in germination percentage (41.6 and 46%). Maximum fresh weight (FW) was noted with 1.0 mg/L LMF, and 1.0 mg/L LMF and 0.5 mg/L HMF showed maximum dry weight (DW) in eggplant. In finger millet, maximum DW was observed in 0.5 mg/L LMF and 1.0 mg/L HMF. Maximum biomass was noted in the 0.1 mg/L LMF treated group in the case of callus growth in eggplant. Similarly, the shoot tip initiation, proliferation, and plantlet regeneration were significantly improved with fucoidan LMF (0.1 mg/L). In conclusion, fucoidan extracted from T. decurrens exhibiting natural growth promoter property is reported for the first time in this study. These fucoidan fractions, LMF and HMF, can be utilized as cost-effective supplements in plant tissue culture media replacing the commercial PGRs for micropropagation.
... This may represent an alternative option to conventional fertilizer. Seaweeds contain a highly nutritious source that could initiate faster germination, yield, growth and resistance ability required for the plant [6]; [7]; [8]. Many studies in the last decades have found that modern agriculture is leaning towards the use of marine macroalgae as biofertilizers [9]; [10] manifested in extract and liquid form. ...
... Many species of seaweed have been used for SLF implemented in a wide variety of plants and crops, i.e. Rosenvigea intricata [13], Ulva rigida [21], Ulva lactuca [22]; Sargassum wightii [6]; [23], Grateloupia lithophila and Chaetomorpha linum [23], Gracillaria textorii [12], and more. Specifically, the use of SLF extracted from Codium sp., Ulva sp., Padina sp., and Amphiroa sp. on the Gracillaria verrucosa showed a significant increase in growth hormone [19]. ...
... The awns is the closest plant part to the ears that carry the grain, and since it intercepts the solar rays falling on the plants, its presence is necessary for the plant through its participation in the photosynthesis process and thus its contribution to the construction and formation of the grain through the processing of grains with the products of the photosynthesis process and thus plays the role of the source that transports nutrients to the estuary grains, [21,22]. Since the awns remains green and effective for a good period, it remains effective in the photosynthesis process throughout this period and even for a longer period than the leaves of the plant that start with drought and this was confirmed by [23,24], that awns continues to supply grains with photosynthesis products for longer periods, while the role of most plant parts in the processing process declines. that awns contributes effectively to increasing the productivity of wheat from by increasing the components of the yield. ...
... L -1 . The lowest value 1.36 cm [24]. The levels of the spike diameter at different conditions are shown in Figure. ...
The field experiment conducted in one of the fields located in Babylon-Iraq, during the agricultural season 2020-2021. In order to study the effect of spraying different levels of organic fertilizer extract on the morphological characteristics of spikes wheat for three local cultivars of wheat. The experiment was conducted by Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD)with split plot system and with three replications. The levels of spraying with organic compost extract were represented in the main plot and were 0, 2.5, 5 and 7.5 ml.L ⁻¹ and three cultivars IPA99, Rashid, Abu Ghraib, were represented by the subplot, and the following results were recorded: The fertilizer concentration 7.5 ml.L ⁻¹ was significantly excelled in all studied traits, the spike length and its stalk, awns length and diameter of spike, and they were respectively 13.71 cm, 19.16 cm, 7.16 cm, and 1.62 cm. As for Rashid cultivar excelled in the trait of spike and stalk, length 15.17 and 23.87 cm, respectively. While the IPA99 cultivar was excelled on the diameter of spike trait 1.61 cm, while Abu Ghraib excelled in the awns length trait with a total average 7.57 cm.
... Lesions can occur on petioles, stems, flower pedicels on broccoli plant (Ellis, 1968) [4] . Microalgae are photosynthetic microorganisms grown in marine, fresh or wastewaters with different nutrient sources and used in fuel, agriculture, food, pharmaceutical, lipids, proteins and phyto-hormones as reported by Kumar and Sahoo (2011) [13] ; Godleweska et al., (2016) [8] and Uithirapandi et al. (2018) [25] , their intracellular extracts can be considered for enhancing the plant yield (Ellaroussia et al., 2016) [3] ; Garcia-Gonzalez and Sommerfeld, 2016) [6] . Microalgae are used in agriculture in different applications, such as amendment, foliar application, seed priming and fertigation (application of microalgae along with irrigation). ...
... Lesions can occur on petioles, stems, flower pedicels on broccoli plant (Ellis, 1968) [4] . Microalgae are photosynthetic microorganisms grown in marine, fresh or wastewaters with different nutrient sources and used in fuel, agriculture, food, pharmaceutical, lipids, proteins and phyto-hormones as reported by Kumar and Sahoo (2011) [13] ; Godleweska et al., (2016) [8] and Uithirapandi et al. (2018) [25] , their intracellular extracts can be considered for enhancing the plant yield (Ellaroussia et al., 2016) [3] ; Garcia-Gonzalez and Sommerfeld, 2016) [6] . Microalgae are used in agriculture in different applications, such as amendment, foliar application, seed priming and fertigation (application of microalgae along with irrigation). ...
Broccoli is an economically important vegetable and India is the second largest producer in the world. Alternaria leaf spot is one of the most important disease in crucifers which causes serious yield and quality loss in production. Microalgal bio-stimulants are able to stimulate the growth and protect from many diseases of several crops under both optimal and stressful condition. It helps in generating multiple benefits, such as enhanced rooting, higher crop yields and quality and tolerance to drought and salt stress. The bioactive ingredients of neem have also shown to be efficacious in controlling several crop diseases. Keeping in view of the above mentioned facts, the following treatments like-Microalgae at different doses, Neem oil and SMC were utilized for controlling Alternaria leaf spot of broccoli. Neem oil @ 3% and Microalgae at different doses was applied three times at an interval of 15 days after appearance of the disease. Spent mushroom compost was applied 7 days before transplanting broccoli. Among all the treatments highest percent reduction of disease intensity in Alternaria brassicae was found in T6 @8% microalgae, 3% neem oil and SMC. T6 was recorded to significantly increase in higher plant height (cm), width of curd (cm) and weight of curd (g) at 26.60 cm, 28.06 cm and 247.46 g respectively.
... The priming of plant seeds with seaweed extracts improved germination in a range of species. This is supported by the studies made on wheat [18,20], green gram [21], common bean [22], barley [23], radish [24], and pepper [25]. Furthermore, Ahmed et al. [26] reported increased radish growth in soil polluted with heavy metals (Pb, Cu, Zn, and Ni) mixed with dried seaweeds as a result of nutrients and growth hormones present in the seaweeds, and concluded that seaweeds could be used in eco-friendly soil pollution bioremediation. ...
... The number of protein bands expressed in the protein profile of control plants is only 11, which is much less than the number of protein bands expressed in the protein profiles of other treatments. The number of bands detected in the protein profile of seedlings exposed to NaCl treatments (19)(20)(21) was higher than the number of bands reported in the protein profile of seedlings primed with SWEs alone (15 bands) or Table S1). ...
Background
Seaweeds are a viable bioresource for suffering plants against salt stress, as they abundant in nutrients, hormones, vitamins, secondary metabolites, and many other phytochemicals that sustain plants' growth under both typical and stressful situations. The alleviating capacity of extracts from three brown algae ( Sargassum vulgare , Colpomenia sinuosa , and Pandia pavonica ) in pea ( Pisum sativum L.) was investigated in this study.
Methods
Pea seeds were primed for 2 h either with seaweed extracts (SWEs) or distilled water. Seeds were then subjected to salinity levels of 0.0, 50, 100, and 150 mM NaCl. On the 21st day, seedlings were harvested for growth, physiological and molecular investigations.
Results
SWEs helped reduce the adverse effects of salinity on pea, with S. vulgare extract being the most effective. Furthermore, SWEs diminished the effect of NaCl-salinity on germination, growth rate, and pigment content and raised the osmolytes proline and glycine betaine levels. On the molecular level, two low-molecular-weight proteins were newly synthesized by the NaCl treatments and three by priming pea seeds with SWEs. The number of inter-simple sequence repeats (ISSR) markers increased from 20 in the control to 36 in 150 mM NaCl-treated seedlings, including four unique markers. Priming with SWEs triggered more markers than the control, however about ten of the salinity-induced markers were not detected following seed priming before NaCl treatments. By priming with SWEs, seven unique markers were elicited.
Conclusion
All in all, priming with SWEs alleviated salinity stress on pea seedlings. Salinity-responsive proteins and ISSR markers are produced in response to salt stress and priming with SWEs.
... SE derived from marine algae (brown, red, and green) contain bioactive substances, including hormones (auxins, cytokinins, abscisic acid, and gibberellins), vitamins, and minerals, all of which can positively influence plant growth and physiological responses (11). Treating seeds with SE can promote seed germination vigour and enhance resistance to environmental stress (12,13). It has been reported that presowing treatments with SE improve germination percentages, root development, and overall plant robustness, which is especially beneficial for organic paddy cultivation. ...
Paddy (Oryza sativa L.) is a globally important staple crop, and achieving high yield is closely linked to effective seed treatments. In this study, seeds of Improved Kavuni CO 57 were treated with seaweed extracts (SE) from Sargassum myricocystum (brown algae) and Kappaphycus alvarezii (red algae) at various concentrations to assess their impact on seed performance. The treated seeds were evaluated for physiological and biochemical improvements. Notably, seeds soaked in a 0.5% methanol extract of Sargassum myricocystum (T6) showed significant improvements compared to the control group, including a higher germination rate (94%), increased root length (19.51 cm), enhanced shoot length (9.29 cm), higher dry matter production (0.155 g/seedling), and a marked increase in seedling vigor index (2707). Biochemical analysis revealed significant enhancements in enzyme activities, with ?-amylase (2.41 mg maltose min?¹), catalase (3.15 µmol H?O? reduced min?¹ g?¹), and peroxidase (0.332 moles tetra guaiacol min?¹ g?¹) all exhibiting higher levels in treated seeds. Additionally, Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis identified key secondary metabolites in the treated seeds, with hexadecanoic acid (21.14%) and octadecanoic acid (10.86%) as dominant compounds. These compounds, known for their antimicrobial, antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal properties, suggest enhanced resilience in the treated plants. Overall, the findings highlight the potential of SE as a sustainable alternative to conventional seed treatments, offering a promising approach for enhancing crop growth and yield in organic and sustainable agricultural systems.
... The effect of ANE on chickpea seed germination indicated a reduction in the harmful effects of drought stress and a positive impact on seed germination (Ahmadpour et al. 2019). Positive effects of ANE were also observed in wheat germination, growth and performance indicators (Kumar and Sahoo 2011). Ahmadpour et al. (2020) revealed that ANE could moderate adverse effects caused by stress due to the presence of growth regulators and essential elements, resulting in a significant increase in germination percentage and other growth parameter. ...
Optimal seed germination is crucial for achieving high yield, making the percentage of germination and proper establishment of seedlings are of great importance in rapeseed cultivation. Therefore, the use of seed priming and seedling spraying with Ascophyllum nodosum seaweed extract (ANE) is of interest. We examined parameters related to rapeseed germination and changes in the expression pattern of target genes and miRNAs due to the application of A. nodosum extract. The treatment involved using a concentration of 0.1% by volume of algae extract at four levels of time treatment, 0, 10, 15 and 30 days with leaves and roots sampled in three biological replicates for each treatment. Results showed a decrease in expression miR156 and the SPL9 gene, miR390 and the GRF8 gene, miR166 and the HDZIP gene, and miR396 and the bHLH gene due to the seaweed extract treatment. The expression of miR164 increased, while the NAC gene expression decreased. In the root tissue, the expression of NAC and HDZIP genes increased over time, while miR164 and miR166 decreased over time. Relative expression of GRF8 and miR390 genes, as well as bHLH and miR396 genes, showed an initial increase followed by decrease. The SPL9 gene expression increased, while its related miRNA (miR156) decreased. In leaf tissue the most negative correlation was observed between miR164 with miR156 and miR396, while the most positive correlation was between miR390 with bHLH, HDZIP and SPL9 genes, and miR166 with GRF8 and bHLH with HDZIP. In root tissue, the most negative correlation was found among miR164, miR166, miR390, miR396, bHLH, GRF8 and SPL9, while the most positive correlation was between SPL9 and GRF8 genes with miR390 and bHLH gene with miR166 and miR396. The results suggest that the application of ANE demonstrate positive effects in seed germination, growth and development and plays functional role in orchestrating miRNA, transcription factors and target genes expression patterns involved in stem apical meristem and root apical meristem.
... The positive effect that T3 application had on grain yield at low N doses was the consequence of the strong influence this treatment had in increasing all yield components. Similar effects were reported in other studies conducted on wheat plants (Kumar and Sahoo, 2011;Shah et al., 2013). ...
New crop nutrition strategies are needed to accomplish the goal of “producing more while consuming less”. A field experiment was conducted under rainfed conditions in Viterbo (central Italy), during two growing seasons (2022–23 and 2023–24), to explore the effect of different combinations of biostimulants and N fertilization on the agronomic performances of durum wheat. A split-plot design with three replicates was used. Nitrogen fertilization level was tested in the whole plots, while biostimulant application in the subplots. Durum wheat cv. ‘Iride’ was used, and three topdressing N fertilizer rates were tested: 50, 100 and 150 kg ha-1. In sub-plots, three experimental products containing different biostimulants (e.g., seaweed extracts, glycine betaine, micronized vaterite and plant growth-promoting bacteria) were compared. For each plot, the following traits were recorded at different growth stages: length and dry weight of roots, chlorophyll content, total yield, yield components, grain protein content and test weight. Wheat plants treated with biostimulant products outperformed the control plants for both root development (more than doubled in length and dry weight) and chlorophyll content (ranging from +75 % to +82 %). Regarding grain yield, the application of biostimulants was most effective at low and medium nitrogen doses. Specifically, a mixture of seaweed extracts and microorganisms at medium N dose
(100 kg ha-1) allowed wheat to reach a grain yield similar to that of the control treatment at the standard N dose (150 kg ha-1), thus saving 33 % N. In terms of grain quality, the foliar treatments with biostimulants increased grain protein content by 4 %, and increased the test weight by 1 to 2 %, as compared to the control.
... Consequently, they find applications across diverse industries including cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, food, fertilizers, and as dietary supplements (Aziz et al. 2020). The growth stimulating effect of seaweed liquid extracts and their application on several plant species have been demonstrated, which have been successfully used for enhanced plant growth and improved seed germination (Hong et al. 2007; Kumar and Sahoo 2011;Ramarajan et al. 2012), increased vegetative growth (Khan et al. 2009;Shukla et al. 2019), and improved biochemical characteristics (González-González et al. 2020;Hassan et al. 2021) in various agricultural products. Red algae are rich in bioactive compounds, especially new halogenated metabolites. ...
This study investigates the biostimulant potential of Laurencia caspica seaweed liquid extract (SLE) on Thymus vulgaris, focusing on its impact on various biological parameters and the biosynthesis pathway of thymol and carvacrol. Results demonstrate significant enhancements in vegetative and reproductive traits, including leaf area, root and shoot length, and biomass, with inoculated plants showing notable increases in fresh and dry weights compared to controls. Moreover, SLE application led to elevated levels of total phenolic and flavonoid content, as well as increased activity of key enzymes such as phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL) and cell wall peroxidase (POD), along with enhanced lignin accumulation in leaves. Gene expression analysis revealed upregulation of DXR and TPS2 genes, resulting in higher accumulation of thymol and carvacrol in plant tissues compared to controls. This pioneering study underscores the practical utility of L. caspica extract as a biostimulant in agriculture, offering insights for further advancements in harnessing Laurencia species for sustainable agricultural practices.
... The Sikkim mandarin's blooming and fruit qualities improved following the foliar application of several seaweed saps. The seaweed extracts' varied quantities of auxin, cytokinins, gibberellins, and betaines-like compounds are most likely the cause of the increase in post-bloom fruit set (%), fruit diameter, and preharvest fruit set (%) (Kumar and Sahoo 2011). Similar results have been shown in apples, where treating apple trees with an extract product from Ascophyllum nodosum has been demonstrated to have positive effects and, in certain situations, increased fruiting (Basak 2008). ...
Citrus flower and fruit drop is a big global issue, and its organic management is extremely difficult. Citrus plants older than fifteen years exhibited higher rates of flower and fruit drop according to the study’s results. Additionally, the fruit diameters and fruit carbohydrate content of fallen fruits were less than those of retained fruits. It was found that boron was a restricting factor in the plant and soil, causing the citrus flower and fruit drop. According to the study’s inferences, applying seaweed sap treatments on a monthly basis will improve the Sikkim mandarin and rough lemon’s morphological, physiological, and biochemical characteristics while also increasing their market value. The treatment of 10% AN (Ascophyllum nodosum) sap was found to have the significantly highest post-bloom fruit set, 10% KA (Kappaphycus alvarezii) sap +75% recommended dose of organic nutrient (RDON) was found to have the significantly highest total soluble solids, and 10% GE (Gracilaria edulis) sap +75% RDON was found to have the highest pre-harvest fruit set. When seaweed sap is sprayed to both citrus species, abscission-inducing genes CitSAUR06, CitSAUR08, CitSAUR44, CitSAUR61, and CitSAUR64 are down-regulated. It can be concluded that, the use of several seaweed sap treatments topically had a notable impact on the citrus species’ net return, productivity, and economic efficiency.
... The program identified that the extract of Ascophyllum nodosum, a brown seaweed, can be used as a growth hormone to regenerate the growth of plantlets, which was supported by various other publications. Such studies have reported that Ascophyllum nodosum extract can improve the chlorophyll content, the number of leaves, the flavonoid content, vegetative propagation, and the tolerance toward marine abiotic stress (Kumar and Sahoo 2011;Kumari et al. 2011;Rayorath et al. 2008). This program also focused on improving cultivation management. ...
Seaweed, despite making up half of the biomass in the sea, has not been utilised to its potential historically. However, there is growing awareness of seaweed as a resource for biobased products with environmental advantages, such as CO2 sequestration. This recognition is driving efforts to cultivate seaweed and develop the infrastructure. In a world where we are facing issues with using land-based biomass for energy, it is becoming more apparent that seaweed holds promise in addressing sustainability challenges.
Seaweed-based aquaculture is also emerging as a cornerstone of sustainability in the European Union, with its growing market value poised to reach €10 billion and an annual growth rate of 6%. This potential is underpinned by the remarkable versatility of seaweed, finding applications in food, cosmetics, and biomolecules, thus fostering popularity in the European market. While regulations already exist to promote seaweed cultivation, inconsistencies and shortcomings within the framework need attention. The European Union directives law aims to limit environmental impact, keep genetic variety, prevent the cultivation of non-native species, and set up biosecurity measures. The technical and legislative barriers impede its progress in this regard. In contrast, Asian countries have successfully implemented policy frameworks that promote growth while considering economic and environmental factors.
This chapter explores initiatives and advancements in seaweed-based aquaculture, shedding light on challenges and potential strategies for seaweed applications utilisation. Key areas of focus include optimising seaweed-farming techniques, global mapping projects, fostering partnerships, improving policies and setting proactive trends. These areas underscore the need for coordinated efforts to unlock the potential of seaweed for inclusive growth.
... In the literature, there are many studies about the seed applications of SWEs on seed germination as well as early growth and development of plants (Sharma et al., 2014). It was reported that soaking seeds in liquid Sargassum wightii extract improved the germination, growth, and yield of wheat (Kumar & Sahoo, 2011). The application of Sargassum vulgare extracts has been reported to enhance the germination and vegetative 2 of 16 MUTLU-DURAK ET AL. ...
Worldwide, where the demand for novel and greener solutions for sustainable agricultural production is increasing, the use of eco‐friendly products such as seaweed‐derived biostimulants as pre‐sowing treatment represent a promising and important approach for the future. Cystoseira barbata, a brown seaweed species abundant in the Mediterranean Region, was collected from the Marmara Sea and subjected to water, alkali, and acidic extractions, and the biostimulant activity of these extracts was tested on wheat ( Triticum durum cv. Saricanak‐98) using different rates through application to the seeds or germination medium (substrate) applications. The different extracts were characterized by mineral, total phenolic, free amino acid, mannitol, polysaccharide, antioxidant concentrations and hormone‐like activity. The effects of the extracts on growth parameters, root morphology, esterase activity, and mineral nutrient concentrations of wheat seedlings were investigated. Our results suggest that the substrate application was more effective in enhancing the seedling performance compared to the seed treatment. High rates of seaweed extracts applied to substrates increased the shoot length and fresh weight of wheat seedlings by up to 20 and 25%, respectively. The substrate applications enhanced the root fresh weights of wheat seedlings by up to 25% when compared to control plants. Among the biostimulant extract applications, the water extract at the highest rate yielded the most promising results in terms of the measured parameters. Cystoseira barbata extracts with different compositions can be used as effective biostimulants to boost seedling growth. The local seaweed biomass affected by mucilage problems, has great potential as a bioeconomy resource and can contribute to sustainable practices for agriculture.
... Seaweed extracts (both solid and liquid) are a complex mixture of compounds, often including minerals, polysaccharides, and polyphenols (Calvo et al. 2014). Several studies show that seaweed extracts can result in enhanced growth, shoot growth, and yield of several agricultural crops, i.e., biostimulant effects (Kumar and Sahoo 2011;Calvo et al. 2014). In addition to improving crops, seaweed extracts can help improve soil conditions by increasing the availability of minerals, such as potassium and phosphorus (Eyras et al. 2008). ...
The human population is steadily increasing and new alternative protein sources are necessary to secure food safety. There is a growing interest in macroalgae, or seaweed, as an alternative food source as they are rich in nutrients, minerals and carbohydrates. Among the diverse species of macroalga, Palmaria palmata, a red seaweed of growing interest due to its high protein content, represents a potential candidate for contributing to food security and animal feed. Novel methods are being investigated for extracting valuable components from seaweed, including protein. In this study, pulsed electric field (PEF) and enzymatic assisted extraction (EAE) were tested to investigate whether the methods, alone or in combination, were sufficient for protein extraction from P. palmata. The results show high extraction yields of dry matter consisting mostly of carbohydrates and ash when using EAE. The results point to a concentration of protein, including essential amino acids, in the pellet after extraction with a combination of PEF and EAE, or EAE alone. There is potential for the protein-rich pellet in animal feed. For the supernatant, there are potential uses within biostimulants.
Supplementary Information
The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10811-024-03338-3.
... Consequently, they nd applications across diverse industries including cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, food, fertilizers, and as dietary supplements (Aziz et al. 2020). The growth stimulating effect of seaweed liquid extracts and their application on several plant species have been demonstrated, which have been successfully used for enhanced plant growth and improved seed germination (Kumar and Sahoo 2011;Hong et al. 2007; Ramarajan et al. 2012), increased vegetative growth (Khan et al. 2009; Shukla et al. 2019), and improved biochemical characteristics (Hassan et al. 2021; González-González et al. 2020) in various agricultural products. Among the diverse seaweed species, Laurencia caspica, a red macro algae inhabiting the southern coast of the Caspian Sea, stands out for its rich reservoir of halogenated secondary metabolites ( Karimzadeh et al. 2020). ...
This study investigates the biostimulant potential of Laurencia caspica seaweed liquid extract (SLE) on Thymus vulgaris L., focusing on its impact on various biological parameters and the biosynthesis pathway of thymol and carvacrol. Results demonstrate significant enhancements in vegetative and reproductive traits, including leaf area, root and shoot length, and biomass, with inoculated plants showing notable increases in fresh and dry weights compared to controls. Moreover, SLE application led to elevated levels of total phenolic and flavonoid content, as well as increased activity of key enzymes such as phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL) and cell wall peroxidase (POD), along with enhanced lignin accumulation in leaves. Gene expression analysis revealed upregulation of DXR and TPS2 genes, resulting in higher accumulation of thymol and carvacrol in plant tissues compared to controls. This pioneering study underscores the practical utility of L. caspica seaweed as a biostimulant in agriculture, offering insights for further advancements in harnessing Laurencia species for sustainable agricultural practices.
... Biofertilizers derived from algae proved better than farmyard manure since algal fertilizers have reasonable organic matter contents that help moisture-retaining and nutrient availability in soil (Baweja et al., 2019). Furthermore, algal fertilizers possess several other benefits, including enhanced plant resistance to diseases and environmental stress, soil structure stability, improved soil aeration, nutrient availability, and water holding capacity (Kumar & Sahoo, 2011). Figure 1 summarizes the algae species used in biofertilizer production. ...
The sustainable development of modern agriculture faces many obstacles, including biodiversity loss
and environment and soil degradation. Algae possess the ability to fix carbon through photosynthesis
and produce enormous biomass. The potential use of algae in bio-fertilizers, nutrient recycling, crop
stimulants against abiotic stresses, and bio-control agent against plant pests provides a way forward for
sustainable agriculture development. This chapter summarizes the use of algae in agriculture ranging
from bio-fertilizers to crop stimulants. It is expected that the integration of algae in inputs will transform
modern agriculture into a more environmentally benign and resource-efficient system, hence making it
more productive.
... In the literature, there are many studies about the seed applications of SWEs on seed germination as well as early growth and development of plants (Sharma et al., 2014). It was reported that soaking seeds in liquid Sargassum wightii extract improved the germination, growth, and yield of wheat (Kumar & Sahoo, 2011). The application of Sargassum vulgare extracts has been reported to enhance the germination and vegetative 2 of 16 MUTLU-DURAK ET AL. ...
... Likewise, the application of 20% of seaweed liquid fertilizer Sargassum wightii on Triticum aestivum shows better results in agronomic growth where it shows a 6.7% increase in shoot length over control. 16 Tomato plants treated with 0.4% and 1.0% seaweed liquid fertilizer Ecklonia maxima were significantly bigger than control plants. 17 Further, the pigment estimation of leaves of both the seaweed liquid fertilizer treated plants and control was carried out among which both seaweed liquid fertilizer treated plants showed good results in both chlorophyll a and b, carotenoid, treated with Ulva intestinalis, Padina tetrastromatica, a combination of it. ...
Millets are small-seeded grasses belonging to the family Poaceae that help in human and animal nourishment. They are mostly grown by using chemical fertilizers which are depleting soil fertility. Organic fertilizers are eco-friendly and help to enhance the growth and development of plants thereby maintaining soil health. Seaweed liquid fertilizer (SLF) are organic fertilizers that can be used to control the side effects caused by harmful chemical fertilizers. The present study was carried out to check the effects of seaweed liquid fertilizer on the growth and development of millets. Different concentrations of seaweed liquid fertilizer (0.25%, 0.50%, and 0.75%) were prepared from Sargassum cinerum, Ulva intestinalis, and Padina tetrastromatica, which were tested on Sorghum bicolor and Pennisetum glaucum. Growth parameters like root length, shoot height, flowering-fruiting, and biochemical analysis like proteins were analyzed by using seaweed liquid fertilizer and chemical fertilizer. Plants treated with 0.50% concentration of seaweed liquid fertilizer showed higher protein content. Total chlorophyll was found to be higher in treated plants than in control plants. Flowering and fruiting were observed earlier in seaweed liquid fertilizer treated plants. This concludes that seaweed extracts can be used as a promising alternative to chemical fertilizers, which plays a significant role in the holistic growth enhancement of plants.
... Seaweeds have been used chronologically as a soil amendment to enrich crop productivity and reclamation of alkaline soil (Nabti et al., 2017). The components of seaweeds include macronutrients (Ca, P, Mg, and K), micronutrients (Fe, Zn, Cu, Mn, B, Co, and Mo), vitamins, amino acids, and growth regulators (cytokinins, auxins, and gibberellins) (Kumar and Sahoo, 2011;Baweja et al., 2016). Seaweed extracts utilized as biofertilizers are prepared in three forms: liquid, powder, and manure form, and are used either by blending in soil or as foliar sprays. ...
... The beneficial effects of Sargassum sp extract obtained on growth of Capsicum annum have shown interesting results (see Figures 1 and 2) and proven some findings from previous research. The application of Sargassum wightii liquid extracts has increased seed germination percentage and growth of Triticum aestivum (Kumar and Sahoo, 2011). In other research by Sridhar and Rengasamy (2012), the aqueous extracts of S.wightii were found to promote the Capsicum annum growth and yield at 1% in concentration. ...
The aim of the present paper is to evaluate the phytochemical screening of Sargassum sp and also to investigate the effect of its crude extracts on seed germination and seedling development of Capsicum annum. The samples were dried and made to coarse powder and stored at-20C for further analysis. Crude extracts were prepared using three different solvents (DCM, methanol and hexane). Different concentrations of crude extracts were prepared in solid medium using MS basal media and germination tests were carried out in vitro. High concentration (50 uL/mL) of hexane extract exhibited the most promoting effect on seed germination and seedling development of Capsicum annum followed by methanol (50 uL/mL) and DCM (50 uL/mL). The presence of micro and macro nutrients, vitamins, growth hormones and other constituents in the seaweed extract might be very much useful to the crop but their concentration should be appropriate to enhance growth and productivity. It may be concluded that Sargassum extracts could serve as cost effective and eco-friendly product for sustainable agriculture.
... In sunflower, PPO activity was maximum (75 %) over control in 5C and minimum increase (24 %) was recorded in 3T. Defense related enzyme PAL result in disease resistance in plants (36). PAL activity involved in lignin biosynthesis as demonstrated by (7), in R. communis L. (35), recorded several fold increase in PAL and PPO in leaves of castor exposed to drought stress. ...
We evaluated the effects of Taraxacum officinale L. and Ricinus communis L. on growth and physiology of sunflower and maize plants. Seeds of sunflower (cv Parson 3) and maize (cv TP 1217) were surface sterilized and soaked in 0.3 % and 0.5 % aqueous extracts of T. officinale L. and R. communis L. prior to sowing, plants were grown in pots under natural conditions. Fresh and dry weight of shoot and root, chlorophyll, carotenoids, protein, proline, phenols and flavonoids and phytohormones contents in leaves of sunflower and maize were determined. The activities of antioxidant enzymes (Superoxide dismutase (SOD), Peroxidase (POD) and defense related enzymes viz. Phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) and Polyphenol oxidase (PPO) were also recorded in leaves of maize and sunflower at vegetative phase. Phytohormones indole acetic acid (IAA), gibberellic acid (GA) and abscisic acid (ABA) were detected in T. officinale L. and R. communis L. Extract of T. officinale L. and R. communis L. significantly enhanced the shoot biomass in maize and sunflower as compared to control. Proline, phenolics, flavonoids, protein, chlorophyll, carotenoids and terpenoids content of fresh leaves were enhanced in all the treatments as compared to control. Activities of PAL, SOD, PPO and POD were also enhanced. Among all the treatments 0.3 % aqueous extract of T. officinale L. and 0.5 % aqueous extract of R. communis L. were more effective in sunflower and maize plants. The extracts of T. officinale L. and R. communis L. may be implicated to improve the growth and defensive system of maize and sunflower and induce tolerance to stresses by augmenting osmoregulation and enhancing the antioxidant and defense related enzymes.
... The use of A. nodosum seaweed extract treatment increased the total phenol content in spinach [53] and Triticum aestivum var. Pusa Gold [54] under oxidative stress conditions. Seaweeds, especially brown seaweed, are rich in phenolic compounds [55] which is consistent with the present study. ...
Background
Due to the important economic role of pistachio (Pistacia vera L.) the cultivation of this valuable crop has been extended. Various abiotic stresses harm the growth and performance of pistachio. Seaweed extract containing various substances such as pseudo-hormones that stimulate growth, nutritional elements, and anti-stress substances can cause more resistance to abiotic stresses, and increase the quantity and the quality of the fruit. The present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of foliar application of Ascophyllum nodosum (L.) Le Jol. seaweed extract on some biochemical traits related to abiotic stress in Pistacia vera L. cv. Kaleh-Ghoochi. The first factor of foliar spraying treatment included A. nodosum seaweed extract at four levels (0, 1, 2, and 3 g/L), and the second factor was the time of spraying solution which was done at three times (1- at the beginning of pistachio kernel growth period at the end of June, 2- at the stage of full kernel development at the end of August, and 3- Spraying in both late June and August).
Results
The results showed that all investigated traits were significant under the treatment of seaweed extract compared with the control. The seaweed extract concentrations had a significant effect on all traits except soluble carbohydrates, but the time of consumption of seaweed extract on soluble carbohydrates, protein, peroxidase, ascorbate peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase enzymes was significant, while had no significant effect on the rest of the traits. According to the interaction effect of time and concentration of consumption of seaweed extract, the highest values of the biochemical characters were as follows: total phenol content: 168.30 mg CAE/g DW, flavonoid content: mg CE/g DW, catalase: 12.66 µmol APX min− 1 mg− 1 protein, superoxide dismutase: 231.4 µmol APX min− 1 mg− 1 protein, and ascorbate peroxidase: 39.53 µmol APX min− 1 mg− 1 protein.
Conclusions
Based on the results of this study, it seems that it is possible to use fertilizers containing A. nodosum seaweed extract with a concentration of 3 g/L in August to increase the tolerance of the pistachio cultivar “Kaleh-Ghoochi” to abiotic stresses.
... Effective seed germination was found to be at 20% seaweed liquid fertilizer with or without chemical fertilizer [42]. Lower concentration (20%) of SLE enhanced the percentage of seed germination, growth, and yield [43]. Here 20% of the extract was prepared and used for the experiment. ...
Seaweed Liquid Extracts (SLE) are the organic fertilizers widely used for improvement of the growth and productivity in plants. Five seaweed species were handpicked from the coastal areas of Visakhapatnam. They were thoroughly washed and prepared to make seaweed liquid extracts of different concentrations. Out of interest, seeds of six plants i.e. Wheat (Triticum aestivum), Rice (Oryza sativa), Black gram (Vigna mungo), Green gram (Vigna radiata), Bengal gram (Cicer arietinum), Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) were selected and treated with the SLE of five seaweed species i.e. Ulva intestinalia, Ulva lactuca, Gracilaria edulis, Audouinella.sp.(black beard algae), Jania rubens(slender-beaded coral weed) and checked for various morphological and growth parameters. The data were analyzed and tabulated statistically using mean ± standard deviation and the comparisons were evaluated by ANOVA. All measurements were made in triplicate. By this study we conclude that, the seeds soaked in 20% seaweed liquid extracts showed better results in germination and growth, than the controls. Liquid extract of Ulva lactuca was reported to show more effect on seed germination, and on a whole among the five seaweed extracts, Ulva intestinalia, Ulva lactuca, Gracilaria edulis showed better effects, than Jania rubens, Audouinella.sp.
... There are many research works available on biofuel production from different substrates such as lignocellulosic (Aftab et al. 2019;Kumar et al. 2009;Balat 2011;Gao et al. 2011;Faludi et al. 2013;Balan 2014;Sakthi Vignesh et al. 2020), hemicellulosic (Salmi et al. 2011;Socha et al. 2014) and cellulose (Kamei et al. 2012) rich materials, but all are differed in certain ways in the production of ethanol. There is a ''Food vs Fuel'' issue happened due to firstgeneration bioethanol produced using food crops and also excess usage of crop protection chemicals damage the ecosystem while producing food crops (Kumar and Sahoo 2011). Later, plant residues are used for bioethanol production. ...
The present energy demand and technological advancements in biofuel generation favor bioethanol, biobutanol, biodiesel, biogas, and biohydrogen production from renewable substrates. Bioethanol is one of the clean biofuels that has gained widespread acceptance as an alternative to fossil fuels and can be easily adapted in the automotive industry to design engines. Up to date, the commercial production of bioethanol obtained from first-generation biomass as substrates have led to a "Food vs. Fuel" issue. The ecosystem is affected by the use of hazardous pesticides and fertilizers in the cultivation of first-generation crops. These issues compel us to focus on a varied group of autotrophic organisms, the seaweeds, in this article as a potential replacement substrate for bioethanol production. Recently, the spent biomass of the seaweed industry and the economically viable seaweeds that drift on shore have been widely focused on generating revenue by many entrepreneurs and also helping farmers generate additional income from seaweed collection and processing. Classification and status of seaweed research were initially discussed in this article, and characteristics, pretreatment, bioethanol production of seaweed biomass, and spent seaweed biomass were articulated extensively. Eventually, a bioethanol economic scenario was developed to decipher the commercial feasibility of bioethanol in India.
... FC, DPPH-SA, and H 2 O 2 -SA were loaded on the positive side along PC2 and differentiated with methanolic yield, TPC, and Fe II-CA. PCA of biochemical components of seaweeds for chemotaxonomy was also given in earlier reports (Kumar and Sahoo 2011;Marsham et al. 2007). ...
... The effect of the aqueous extract of the seaweed Sargassum wightii Greville was also studied in seeds of Triticum aestivum var. Pusa Gold [70]. The application of the extract at a 20 % concentration stimulated germination, in addition to providing greater growth and seed yield. ...
... Reduction in total soluble protein in the leaf could also be ascribed to the reduction in photosynthesis. Accumulation of free amino acid indicates the degradation of protein in all the nickel treated plants, proline an osmotic regulator accumulate more in all the treated plants [33,34] ...
... Furthermore, seed priming also provides seedlings with additional sources of minerals, amino acids and soluble sugars to enhance germination and improve vigor . As a result, BME induce early seed germination and increase germination rate and establishment in many crops, for many algal species (Kumar and Sahoo, 2011;Lola-Luz et al., 2012;Masondo et al., 2018;Mzibra et al., 2021). For example, seedlings of aubergine, pepper and tomato subjected to cold temperatures, treated with a Gongolaria barbata extract had enhanced germination rates linked to improved vigour (Demir et al., 2006). ...
The worldwide growing food demand and the excessive use of synthetic and chemical inputs compel the agricultural sector to find innovative and sustainable solutions to enhance or at least maintain crop yields in times of increased abiotic stresses levels linked to global change. Currently, great research efforts are carried out on brown seaweeds as their environment lead them to produce a broad range of compounds, with osmoregulatory, antioxidant, pro-bacterial, and plant-growth promoting activities. Indeed, numerous studies are looking at different combinations of algal species, extraction processes, plant species and environments of plant culture to highlight the various effects of algal extracts on plant growth and development, and resistance to abiotic stresses. Consequently, a wide variety of novel commercial products are emerging, presenting diversified chemical compositions, formulations and means of application. Such products allow the biostimulation of plants and soil by alleviating abiotic stresses such as drought, frost, and salt. The action of brown macroalgal extracts on plant and soil health has been repeatedly demonstrated, yet the precise relation between the extract chemical composition and its subsequent effect is still to be elucidated, as molecular synergy is suspected to play an important role. In this review, we present the interest of using brown macroalgal extracts to produce biostimulants with beneficial action on soil health, plant growth and development, as well as resistance against abiotic stresses, in relation to the molecular changes occurring.
... Several studies have shown that the use of seaweed biostimulants can increase plant growth and productivity. Kumar and Sahoo reported that the use of liquid seaweed extract with a concentration of 20% on wheat plants has increased plant growth [63]. According to Vijayanandh et al. [54] the use of liquid extract of Sargassum wightii type seaweed with a concentration of 1.5% has increased the growth of beans According to Azri [60] seaweed extract was able to increase the weight of tubers or clumps and the production of shallots by 3.86 grams and 2.99 tons per ha, respectively. ...
The use of biostimulants from endophytic bacteria enriched with seaweed is still rarely used in shallot plants. This study was conducted to determine the effect of reducing NPK chemical fertilizers and adding biostimulants to shallot plants in the highlands. The research was conducted in Lembang, Indonesian Vegetables Research Institute, Indonesia (IVEGRI) from January to July 2021. A two-factor Randomized Complete Block Design used two types of biostimulant formulation (biostimulant A, and biostimulant B), and the chemical fertilizer dose factors (7 levels with 3 replications. The observed parameters included plant height, number of leaves, clump fresh weight and dry weight of bulbs per sample and per hectare, as well as the Relative Agronomic Effectiveness (RAE). The results showed that the application of 75% NPK plus biostimulant at a dose of 3ml/L applied as much as 5X gave the same RAE value as NPK 100%.
... Algal fertilizers are now considered a potential alternative to conventional synthetic fertilizers (Craigie, 2011;Chatterjee et al., 2017;Michalak et al., 2017aMichalak et al., , 2017bMichalak et al., , 2017cBaweja et al., 2019;Mishra et al., 2020;Zafar et al., 2022). Red, brown, and green algae are used to varying degrees as fertilizers and as soil conditioners (Metting et al., 1990;Craigie, 2011;Haq et al., 2011;Lopez-Mosquera et al., 2011;Kumar and Sahoo, 2011;Abdel-Raouf et al., 2012;Illera-Vives et al., 2013, 2015Iqbal et al., 2021;Michalak and Messyasz, 2021;Ammar et al., 2022;Ghosh et al., 2022). Among green algae, Сladophora remains highly underestimated, while the possibility of using them as fertilizers are multifaceted (Michalak and Messyasz, 2021), and reviews on this topic (Baweja et al., 2019), as a rule, do not pay due attention to this group. ...
Abstract The cosmopolitan filamentous green algae Cladophora spp. inhabits tropical to polar water bodies in a wide salinity range, from freshwaters to hypersaline. In different water bodies, they have significantly higher productivity than land plants occupying vast areas and creating a high concentration of its biomass. They also have high aquaculture potential. Summarizing the data from 349 published articles, the review analyzes the production capabilities of Сladophora spp., the biochemical composition of their biomass, and considers the possibilities of using their biomass in agriculture and aquaculture. Cladophora biomass can be used in different ways as fertilizers (biochar, compost, dry algae powder, extracts) and plant stimulants due to its chemical composition. An important feature of the chemical composition of Cladophora biomass is a large number of carbohydrates and proteins with a low lipid content reaching minerals and vitamins. Cladophora can be a valuable source of carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins, minerals, and other specific nutrients in the diet of humans and animals. Cladophora biomass can be effectively used in the diet of chickens and livestock. As an important component in the diet of different fish species, it can be applied in their commercial cultivation. The biomass of Cladophora spp. can partly replace artificial shrimp food by replacing up to 30% of the fishmeal in it. Co-farming of shrimp and Cladophora also can provide a sustainable alternative to reduce the need for artificial feed.
... Several authors have also observed that cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) have a stimulatory effect on seed germination. e.g., [45] on Vicia faba [46] on Lactuca sativa; [47] on Vinca and [48] on Triticum aestivun. According to Christopher et al. [49], pre-soaking of rice seeds had direct evidence for culture filtrate hormonal effects, which improved germination and sped up seedling growth. ...
Background: The use of algae as biofertilizers is fast-spreading in order to meet the excessive demands for agricultural products. To achieve this, enough algal biomass needs to be supplied year-round. Hence, algal nutritional components must be optimized through mixotrophic conditions. Materials and methods: Two algal isolates, namely, Phormidium sp. and Synechocystis sp. were tested for their ability to produce mixotrophic growth using different supplementations including molasses, aqueous Lepidium sativum, Trigonella foenum graecum seed extract and liquorice root extract, as well as acetate salt solution. The algae that showed highest growth under optimized mixotrophic conditions was further used in cantaloupe seed growth experiments. GC-MS was also carried out on the biomass of Phormidium on one of the fractions of extract using solvent system to reveal some dominant novel bioactive compounds in algal biomass. Results: The sugarcane molasses significantly enhanced the growth of the two algal strains, followed by Lepidium sativum extract only in case of Phormidium sp. Therefore, it was used in subsequent experiments. All growth parameters for that algae were significantly enhanced by the addition of these nutritional sources with molasses being the best supplement. The Phormidium sp. was rich in its content of chlorophyll, proteins, sugars as well as some novel bioactive compounds as revealed by GC–MS. The germination percentage of seeds treated with Phormidium sp. showed a significant increase over that of control. The different growth-related metabolites of total soluble proteins, total soluble sugars and all photosynthetic pigment contents of the seedlings were all significantly increased using this algal treatment. Discussion: The sugarcane molasses was superior in enhancing the algal growth due to its rich content not only of sugars but also of minerals and nitrogenous compounds. The use of aqueous extracts of seeds of Lepidium sativum enhanced growth significantly more than that of the control set as seeds are rich in proteins, omega-3 fatty acids, phytochemicals and other essential nutrients. In growth experiments carried out on cantaloupe seeds, there was a significant increase in germination percentage as well as all growth parameters due to the rich nutritional content of Phormidium sp. Conclusion: Mixotrophic growth achieved better algal biomass production than autotrophy in the case of Phormidium sp. The use of cheap resources such as sugarcane molasses, which is the waste from the sugar industry, as well as the common herb extract of Lepidium sativum, is a cost-effective approach. The use of this mixotrophically grown blue-green alga as a biofertilizer significantly enhanced plant growth and seed germination, indicating the usefulness of this eco-friendly agricultural strategy for achieving both food security and environmental sustainability.
Several studies have shown the importance of using seaweed liquid extract (True-Algae-Max, TAM) as a fish feed additive, and fish-water conditioner. In addition, TAM has demonstrated significant growth improvement when used as a plant growth biostimulant. This study investigates whether seaweed liquid extract (TAM) can achieve good results in new experimental fields such as chromium remediation, plant germination, and live feed supplementation for marine invertebrate Copepod (Oithona nana). In this study, several doses of TAM were tested, for the first time, for their impact on the remediation of chromium (Cr⁶⁺) ions from aqueous solutions and as an aqua feed additive for marine copepods (Oithona nana). In addition, it has been tested as promising for the seed germination of Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) and Faba bean (Vicia faba L.). The most important factors influencing the removal (%) of Cr⁶⁺, identified using a two-level Plackett–Burman factorial design, were selected for additional optimization utilizing a rotatable central composite design. The maximum adsorption of Cr⁶⁺ was 93.65% under ideal operating circumstances, which included an initial Cr⁶⁺ concentration of 60 mg L⁻¹, a temperature of 25 °C, a pH of 3, a TAM biomass of 0.05 g, and a contact time of 60 min at agitation conditions. Plackett–Burman design data shows the significance of each factor and how well the model fits the Cr⁶⁺ removal. The results of the germination experiment revealed that the highest significant increase in seed germination was achieved using a TAM level of 0.30 mg mL⁻¹ with V. faba (88%) and 0.03 mg mL⁻¹ with T. foenum-graecum (96.6%). Additionally, compared to the control group, TAM at a level of 0.037 mg mL⁻¹ showed high root length enhancement on V. faba (184%) and T. foenum-graecum (188%). The results of the copepod O. nana feeding additive experiment found that the group fed on starch supplemented with TAM at a level of 0.3 mL L⁻¹, compared to the control group that fed starch only, showed the highest increment in population growth (134.74%), fecundity (270.16%), and population composition of males (133.45%), adults (120.37%), and nauplius (203.18%). Moreover, compared to the control group, the copepod that fed starch supplemented with TAM levels achieved the highest Omega-9 content. In conclusion, it is shown that TAM is a feasible, efficient, and sustainable solution for biodegradable adsorbent for the Cr⁶⁺ from aqueous solution, enhances plant seed germination and root length, and is a novel feed additive for marine copepod O. nana, especially in marine invertebrate hatcheries.
Biostimulants that improve agriculture's productivity and environmental responsibility are widely favored and used. Algae has emerged as a viable option for sustainable agriculture. In the present study, the effects of the Cladophora glomerata (L.) Kütz. aqueous extract in three concentrations (2.5, 5, and 10 mg extract per mL of tap water) was tested on the growth and productivity of garden cress (GCR) Lepidium sativum L., plants over 12 days, and the results were compared with those of the control group (irrigated only with tap water). The effect of the algae extract was studied by assessing the changes in phenolic compounds using HPLC–DAD and determining the chlorophyll content as well as the total antioxidant capacity of the GCR using DPPH and ABTS tests. Total phenolics, as well as total flavonoids, were measured. The potential role of algae extract in promoting cress plant growth was attained when compared to the control, mainly at a concentration of 2.5 mg/mL, which exhibited the highest yield growth after 12 days and presented the highest antioxidant capacity at 13.53 ± 1.16 mg Trolox equivalent (TE)/g dry weight (DW), compared to 10.44 ± 0.33 mgTE/g DW for the control. The total phenolic content significantly increased (p < 0.05) from 14.34 ± 0.84 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/ g dry weight (DW) to 23.14 ± 0.55 mg GAE/g DW. Eleven phenolic compounds were identified in different tested samples of GCR, whether treated or not treated with algae extracts. Chrysin was only identified in the treated plants. Therefore, the use of algae (C. glomerata) presents promising potential as a biostimulant in agriculture, contributing to increased plant growth and improved resistance to environmental stress.
Supplementary Information
The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1038/s41598-024-74180-3.
Introduction
Dental implants are used in dentistry to replace teeth, restore function and improve the quality of life for patients. Osseointegration is critical for the success of dental implants. Implant surface modification can enhance osseointegration. Gold nanoparticles have emerged as a promising coating material for dental implants owing to their unique physicochemical properties. We aimed to review published literature to assess the effect of gold nanoparticle coating in increasing osseointegration of dental implants.
Data Collection
A database search yielded a total of 14 articles between January 2011 till December 2021, of which nine articles were excluded and five studies met the inclusion criteria. All studies reported improved osseointegration outcomes with gold nanoparticle coating compared to uncoated controls.
Results
The most reported osseointegration outcomes were bone–implant contact, removal torque (RTQ) and histological analysis of bone formation around the implant. Mean RTQ values for coated implants ranged from 6.7 to 52.8 Ncm, compared to 3.7–40.8 Ncm for uncoated controls. The histological analysis showed greater bone formation and density around the coated implants compared to uncoated implants. Gold nanoparticle coating appears to have a positive effect on osseointegration. The results of included studies suggest that gold nanoparticle-coated implants promote greater bone–implant contact (BIC), RTQ and bone formation around the coated implant than the uncoated implant.
Conclusion
With increasing usage of dental implants, the most prevailing concern among clinicians remains to be peri-implantitis. Peri-implantitis is observed despite the biocompatibility and osseointegration properties of titanium. Surface coatings with antimicrobial effectiveness can help in preventing the onset of peri-implantitis and bone loss, while increasing BIC.
A agricultura familiar depende de alternativas que promovam aumentos na produtividade aliado à diminuição de custos, cada vez maiores por conta do uso de insumos agrícolas. O uso de fertilizantes naturais pode ser um caminho nesta direção. Neste sentido, buscamos avaliar o efeito de extratos de macroalgas de água doce (Oedogonium sp.) sobre a germinação e desenvolvimento inicial de plântulas de couve (Brassica oleraceae L.). Para tanto, macroalgas verdes filamentosas foram coletadas em tanques de piscicultura, secas e trituradas para a produção de pó de alga. Com o pó de alga foi preparado extratos nas seguintes proporções: T1 (controle): 0%; T2: 1%; T3: 5%; T4: 10%. Um total de vinte sementes foram utilizadas para cada tratamento, dispostas em incubadora (25 oC e 12 horas de fotoperíodo). O número de sementes germinadas foi averiguado após 1, 2, 3, 6 e 7 dias. O desenvolvimento inicial das plântulas (comprimento da radícula, do caule e comprimento e largura das folhas) foi averiguado com auxílio do programa Image J. Os resultados não mostraram influência do extrato sobre a germinação das sementes, entretanto, foram promissores em relação ao desenvolvimento inicial das plântulas, principalmente em relação ao crescimento da parte aérea (caule e folhas). Salientamos a importância do possível efeito biofertilizante de macroalgas de água doce como alternativa para pequenos produtores de hortaliças.
Among the various technological advancements in different fields that help fulfill our needs further, marine biotechnology is one that has brought a significant change in the overall bleak outlook of the limited resources that the oceans have to offer. Marine biotechnology has not just revolutionized the method of farming and increased productivity, but it has also ensured a consistent supply to various cuisines throughout the world. In recent years, marine biotechnology has outgrown its traditional image in the seafood-related industry to one that caters to a plethora of industries such as enzyme technology, pharmaceuticals, tanning industry, cancer therapeutics, cosmetic industry, biodegradable polymers, and bioremediation. These are a few among a broad spectrum of industries where it finds applications and many more are yet to be explored. Remarkably, marine biotechnology has not only helped restore the normal local flora and fauna of the oceans but has also contributed extensively to conservation efforts. In this review, an attempt has been made to follow the trails of the wide applicability of marine biotechnology as well as its impact on various sectors in recent years.
A produção e demanda por soja (Glycine max) vem crescendo ano após ano. Para suprir as necessidades mundiais, o sistema de produção deve superar alguns desafios que se impõem, mormente aqueles ligados às tecnologias do manejo das plantas. Nesse sentido, o objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar as características produtivas na cultura da soja em função do tratamento de sementes com fungicidas (Piraclostrobina, Tiofanato Metílico e Fipronil), micronutrientes Cobalto e Molibdnênio e bioestimulante produzido a partir de extrato de algas Ascophyllum nodosum. Foram testados e avaliados três tratamentos, com quatro repetições, sendo: T1- semente nua; T2- semente tratada com Fungicida; T3- semente tratada com Fungicida+ Bioestimulante à base de algas. Avaliou-se a germinação das sementes, comprimento radicular, massa seca da parte aérea, peso de mil grãos (PMG) e produtividade da cultura. Os resultados observados indicam que o uso associado de Fungicida+Bioestimulante à base de algas promoveu efeito positivo na emergência de plantas, comprimento radicular máximo, PMG, produtividade da soja e a massa seca da parte aérea, no estágio inicial da cultura.
Objetivou-se com este estudo avaliar a qualidade fisiológica de sementes de sojas da cultivar M8644 cultivada sob diferentes concentrações do extrato de algas de água doce Ferticell Universal 3-0-1, à base de Chlorella sp. e enriquecido com Azospirillum sp. Para realização da pesquisa utilizou-se sementes da safra 2019/2020 provenientes do Campus experimental da UFT, que avaliou 5 tratamentos com diferentes concentrações do produto Ferticell, sendo a primeira dose a testemunha com 0 ml/l de concentração do produto, dose 2 contendo 0,5 ml/l, dose 3 com 1,0 ml/l, dose 4 com 1,5 ml/l e a dose 5 com 2,0 ml/l aplicados por meio de pulverizador costal com volume de calda de 200 l/ha . Em laboratório o delineamento experimental usado foi o inteiramente casualizado e os testes foram realizados com 4 repetições. As avaliações foram realizadas no Laboratório de Fitotecnia do Programa de Pós-Graduação em Produção Vegetal da Universidade Federal do Tocantins, Campus de Gurupi. A qualidade fisiológica das sementes foi avaliada através dos testes de tetrazólio, germinação e envelhecimento acelerado. Conclui-se que o uso do extrato de alga de água doce Ferticell Universal 3-0-1, não interferiu negativamente na qualidade fisiológica das sementes de soja.
Esta obra é resultado de um processo colaborativo entre professores, estudantes e pesquisadores brasileiros e estrangeiros que promoveram pesquisas no âmbito das Ciências Agrárias e suas multidisciplinaridades, destacando e qualificando temas importantes a serem debatidos para a construção de conhecimento. As discussões abordadas são originárias das mais diversas áreas, dentro do escopo das Ciências Agrárias, e de diferentes Instituições de Educação Superior públicas de abrangência nacional e internacional. Tem como objetivo integrar redes de estudos científicos que fomentem inovações e atualidades relacionadas aos diversos setores da cadeia produtiva agrícola, incitando a formação continuada dos profissionais envolvidos nesta esfera, além da importância do acesso para a sociedade. Os organizadores agradecem aos autores pela contribuição, disponibilidade e comprometimento para a elaboração desse livro, e que esta obra se torne mais uma fonte de pesquisa e conhecimento para estudantes, professores e demais interessados pela temática. Aos leitores, desejamos uma excelente leitura.
Green algae Cladophora spp. inhabit waters with wide ranges of salinity and temperature, and their productivity is much higher than terrestrial plants. In natural waters, including hypersaline, they occupy large areas producing large biomass. Summing up and analyzing data from about 273 published articles, the review demonstrates the high production potential of Cladophora spp. and the diverse rich biochemical content of their biomass giving the prosperous possibility of their wide applications in agri–/aquaculture. As a fertilizer, they can be utilized by different methods (biochar, dry algae powder, etc.). Their extracts are effective growth stimulants for different cultivated plant species. Biomass is a promising fount of carbohydrates, vitamins, polyunsaturated fatty acids, proteins, essential microelements, and other biologically active compounds for the nutrition of animals and humans. Now their biomass is used in the feeding of livestock and chickens. It is also a valuable feed supplement for a variety of fish species, which may substitute up to 28% artificial feed in fish/shrimp cultivation. Cladophora co–farming with fish/shrimp reduces the use of artificial feed increasing commercial profitability. A wide use of Cladophora in agri–/aquaculture is economical and also mitigates environmental problems by reducing needs in agrarian land, and freshwater use, and likewise diminishing the emission of greenhouse gas methane by livestock.
Depremler ve Solunum yolu hastaları
Sargassum C. Agardh is a highly diverse genus within the brown algae, with 615 currently recognized species, varieties and forms worldwide. This high level of species diversity led early taxonomists, using morphological-anatomical criteria only, to divide the genus into up to five sub-genera and several lower-ranking taxonomic units (e.g., sections, tribes). With the advent of molecular data, subsequent authors revised this complex and archaic classification, with the genus now comprising only two sub-genera: Sargassum and Bactrophycus. Whilst most Sargassum species are benthic, only two are known to be holopelagic and responsible for strandings along tropical Atlantic coasts. The rest of the genus is cosmopolitan, occurring from tropical to temperate regions. Sargassum has not yet been reported in polar regions. Where Sargassum is present, macroalgal populations can grow in large quantities, and the resulting biomass can be valuable to the local communities for a variety of uses. Here we review the genus Sargassum from a taxonomic, ecological and physiological perspectives, and explore the different ways of taking advantage of this extraordinary biomass, which while becoming an invasive pest in some countries, could represent opportunities for coastal populations worldwide.
EFFECTS OF APPLYING TERRABION™, AN AMINO ACID-BASED BIOSTIMULANT, ON THE GROWTH AND PROLINE CONTENTS IN CHERRY TOMATO PLANTS UNDER STRESS CONDITIONS
Seed germination is a crucial step in plant propagation, as it controls seedling production, stand establishment, and crop yield. The current study evaluated the effect of seaweed extract (Padina minor) with the addition of amino acids biopriming on the seed germination of three (Cinta, Banang Pulau, and upland rice UNSOED 1) rice varieties. This study used a Randomized Completely Factorial Design consisting of 2 factors and four replications. Factor A (Biostimulant) consisting of a0) distilled water, a1) P.minor extract, a2) P.minor extract + amino acid (Glycine 250 ppm, Alanine 20 ppm, Cysteine 50 ppm, Arginine 50 ppm). Factor B (Rice variety) consists of b1) upland rice Unsoed 1, b2) Cinta (Solok local varieties) , and b3) Banang Pulau (Solok local varieties). The germination responses of the bio-primed seeds were measured using six parameters, including the percentage of germination, vigor index, maximum growth potential, hypocotyl, and root length. This study showed that P.minor extract is effectively used as bio-priming for several rice varieties. Upland rice variety Inpago UNSOED 1 gave the best response to priming treatment compared to Solok rice varieties Cinta and Banang Pulau.
We evaluated the growth of Norway spruce (Picea abies [L.] Karst.) seedlings on peat and bark substrates, on their mixes and on their mixes with agroperlite. We examined the basic quantitative traits (seedling diameters and heights), the number of produced seedlings per unit area, main root lengths, number of axial shoots and dry weight of shoots and roots. Besides the study of substrate influence on the biometrical characteristics of seedlings applied standard fertilisation an experiment was established as the second variant where the effect of biostimulants was tested; they were supplied by the JAMINEX Company. The experiment was established with three replications by standard technologies used in forest operations. A conclusion can be drawn that in our experiments peat was found to be the most suitable substrate for production of Norway spruce seedlings. Positive effects of biostimulants were highly significant on almost all tested substrate mixes.
The effects of Ascophyllum nodosum marine-plant extracts on 'Thompson seedless' grape (Vitis vinifera L.) production and yield variables was studied from 2002-04. Performed in cooperation with a commercial orchard near Selma, California, the randomized complete block design used five replicates and examined several experimental products and several standard Ascophyllum treatments (ATAN 0029). Given the preliminary nature of the experimental products, only the Ascophyllum treatments are discussed. Dose rates for the Ascophyllum treatments varied from 1 to 2 L/ha whereas the number of applications ranged from 4 to 8 applications per treated plot. Over this 3-year period, Ascophyllum extracts consistently outperformed the controls (regular crop management program) and produced better quality fruit and higher yields. Results in 2002 indicate increases in berries per bunch, berry size, rachis length and the number of primary bunches per plant with 4 and 8 applications of 2 L/ha. Treated fruit also performed better in storage than control fruit. In 2003, there was an increase of at least 58.4% in both grade #1 and #2 fruit, an increase of 7.7% in average berry size and 26.5% in berry weight in response to 4 or 8 applications at 2 L/ha. In 2004, yields for treated plots were again greater than the controls (60.4%), due in part, to increases in berry weight (38.8%) and size (12.4%). Overall, increases in grower return-on-investment (ROI) were realized in each of the three years. The beneficial impact of these extracts is thought to be associated with compounds that may include, but are not limited to the betaines, oligosaccharides, polyamines, cytokinins and/or other hormones. Fractionation chemistry research is currently underway on Ascophyllum extracts in order to identify individual or specific active ingredients. These fractions will then be examined in a series of closely monitored bioassays before being further tested on 'Thompson' seedless grapes.
The effect of different modes of application of Kelpak on the growth and yield of three varieties of greenhouse cultivated peppers was investigated. In most instances, application of Kelpak improved the marketable fruit yield. A combined treatment of dipping the seedlings in 0.4% Kelpak solution for 2h prior to transplanting followed by three applications of 0.4% Kelpak as a foliar spray during the growth of the plants significantly increased the number and size of the marketable fruit.
Seven fungicides, 2 seaweed extracts (Maxicrop and Seasol), tea tree oil (Multicrop), and fungal agents including yeasts and an isolate of a Trichoderma sp., were compared for the control of fruit rots in strawberries in 5 field trials in Victoria, Australia. The fungicides tested were thiram, iprodione, dichlofluanid, chlorothalonil, fluazinam, phosphorous acid and fosetyl-aluminium. All treatments were applied as foliar sprays (at recommended rates) at weekly intervals, except for one of the Trichoderma treatments in which Trichoderma was cultured on rice and applied around plants at 1 and 5 weeks after the start of the trial. Rots were assessed after harvest by incubating fruit for 3 days at room temperature (15–25˚C). Between 55 and 71% of fruit developed rot in the unsprayed plots and consisted mainly of grey mould (Botrytis cinerea), leak (Rhizopus and Mucor spp.), anthracnose (Colletotrichum acutatum), leather rot (Phytophthora cactorum), and stem end rot (Gnomonia comari).
All fungicides except fosetyl-aluminium and phosphorous acid significantly (P<0.05) reduced the total incidence of fruit rots by 27–72%. Thiram, dichlofluanid and chlorothalonil reduced grey mould by 61–94%, anthracnose by 63–100% and leather rot by 65–100%; iprodione reduced grey mould by 60–94% and leak by 74–96%. In one experiment each, fluazinam reduced grey mould by 85% and leather rot by 100%, and phosphorous acid reduced leather rot by 100%. Thiram, iprodione and phosphorous acid also reduced stem end rot by 55–100%. Of the biocontrols, seaweed extracts and oil, only tea tree oil in 1 trial of 3 reduced the total incidence of fruit rots significantly (by 31%), and in 2 trials significantly reduced anthracnose, and leather rot by 60–88% and 71–72% respectively. In 2 out of 3 trials, Trichoderma sp. reduced (P<0.05) grey mould by 29–63%. In one trial each, seaweed extract 1, and a yeast treatment amended with malt extract, both reduced grey mould by 40 or 54% respectively. The addition of sucrose to the yeast treatments significantly increased the incidence of anthracnose infection. Chlorothalonil, dichlofluanid, thiram and iprodione sprays increased the yield (weight) of healthy fruit significantly (P<0.05) compared with that from untreated plants by 43–114%. By contrast, none of the biocontrol treatments, the seaweed extracts or tea tree oil increased fruit yields.
Drought continues to be a major limiting factor for creeping bentgrass (Agrostis palustris Huds. A.) quality and persistence on golf course fairways, greens, and tees. Little breeding specifically aimed at improving bentgrass drought resistance has been completed. However, a number of reports indicate that treatment with natural products such as seaweed extracts and humic acids improve cool-season grass drought resistance possibly by hormonal up-regulation of plant defense systems against oxidative stress. This study was conducted to determine the response of exogenous natural product treatment of three creeping bentgrass cultivars subjected to drought. 'Penn G-2', 'L-93', and 'Penncross' creeping bentgrass were treated with seaweed extract (SWE) at 0.5 kg ha -1, humic acid (HA; 80% a.i.) at 1.5 kg ha-1, alone or in combination, and maintained in a greenhouse at approximately field capacity (-0.01 MPa) or allowed to dry until near the permanent wilting point (-1.5 MPa). Unashed samples of SWE and HA contained 66 μg g-1 and 57 μg g-1 zeatin riboside (ZR), respectively, while ashed samples contained no detectable cytokinins as determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). There were no significant differences between cultivars in response to drought, except for ZR concentration, which was higher in Penn G-2 than in L-93 or Penncross foliage. Turf quality and photochemical efficiency began to decline 14 d into the dry-down for the control and at 21 d in the natural product-treated bentgrass. The combination of HA + SWE enhanced root mass (21-68%), and foliar α-tocopherol (110%) and ZR (38%) contents. This is the first known report indicating that these natural products contain cytokinins and that their application resulted in increased endogenous cytokinin levels, possibly leading to improved creeping bentgrass drought resistance.
Heat stress is the primary factor limiting summer performance of creeping bentgrass (Agrostis stolonifera L.) in many temperate to subtropical regions. Seaweed extract (SWE)-based cytokinins have been used to improve stress tolerance, but their specific effects on creeping bentgrass under supraoptimal temperatures are lacking. This study was designed to determine whether SWE-based cytokinins affect creeping bentgrass heat tolerance, and to compare effects of SWE-based cytokinins to those of a trans-zeatin riboside (t-ZR)-standard. Concentrations of t-ZR in two SWE sources (referred to as Oce and Aca) were determined. Treatments were applied twice to creeping bentgrass at an equivalent t-ZR concentration of 10 μM. One week after the initial treatment, heat stress was imposed (35/25°C [day/night]) for 42 d. The Oce SWE, Aca SWE, and t-ZR treatments resulted in leaf t-ZR concentrations that were 39, 32, and 28% higher, respectively, relative to the control at 14 d of heat stress. The Oce SWE, Aca SWE, and t-ZR treatments also increased superoxide dismutase activity and alleviated the decline of turfgrass quality, photochemical efficiency, and root viability. Ashed SWE provided results similar to the water control. Beneficial effects of SWE on heat tolerance appear to be associated with their organic, especially cytokinin, components and not the mineral (ashed) fraction. Proper application of SWE-based cytokinins may be an effective approach to improve summer performance of creeping bentgrass.
Tasco-Forage, an extract from the brown seaweed Ascophyllum nodosum, has increased antioxidant activity in both plants and animals. Turf and forage grasses exhibited increased amounts of α- tocopherol, ascorbic acid, β-carotene, and increased ac- tivities of superoxide dismutase, glutathione reductase, and ascorbate peroxidase in response to exogenous ap- plication of Tasco. Endophyte (Neotyphodium coenophi- alum ((Morgan-Jones and Gams) Glenn, Bacon, and Hanlin)-infected tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) can increase oxidative stress. Both high envi- ronmental temperatures and increased body tempera- tures increase respiratory rates, which increase free radical production. Steers that grazed infected fescue had diminished immune function and vitamin E, Cu, and Se status, indicating less ability to deal with oxida- tive stress. Two applications of Tasco-Forage (3.4 kg/ha in water solution) to infected fescue during the growing season improved steers' immune function, and the ef- fect lasted through cross-country transportation and a 160-d feedlot finishing period. Grazing infected fescue reduced serum cholesterol, but the effect was reversed
Two seaweed concentrates were made from the kelps Ecklonia maxima and Macrocystis pyrifera using a cell burst method. Cytokinin- and auxin-like activities were measured using the soybean callus and mungbean bioassays,
respectively. Cytokinin-like activity was detected in both seaweed concentrates, being equivalent to approximately 50 μg L−1 kinetin. Auxin-like activity was also detected in both concentrates with the E. maxima derived concentrate having higher biological activity, equivalent to 10−5–10−4 M indole-butyric acid. Two replicates of each concentrate were stored at 54 °C for 14 days to accelerate the effects of storage.
Both fresh and stored samples of the two seaweed concentrates were analysed for their endogenous cytokinin and auxin content.
The samples were purified using a combined DEAE-Sephadex octadecylsilica column and immunoaffinity chromatography based on
wide-range cytokinin and IAA specific monoclonal antibodies. These extracts were analysed by HPLC linked to a Micromass single
quadrupole mass spectrophotometer. Eighteen and nineteen different cytokinins were detected, respectively, in the two concentrates,
with trans-zeatin-O-glucoside being the main cytokinin present. Accelerated storage of the concentrates caused an increase in the total
cytokinin concentration with a large increase in the aromatic meta-topolin. Indole-3-acetic acid was the main auxin in both seaweed concentrates. Indole conjugates, including amino acid conjugates,
were also quantified. The total auxin concentration decreased with accelerated storage for both concentrates.
Thirty-one seaweeds were collected from the warmer KwaZulu-Natal coast and the cooler Cape waters (South Africa). Plant material was extracted with 70% ethanol supplemented with deuterium labelled standards of all known isoprenoid cytokinins. The samples were then centrifuged and purified by combined DEAE-Sephadexoctadecylsilica column and immunoaffinity chromatography and finally analysed for cytokinins by HPLC-linked mass spectrometry and a photodiode array detector. The cytokinin profiles were similar in all the macroalgae regardless of their taxonomy and growing locality. The main type of isoprenoid cytokinins present were zeatins with cis forms being more common than trans forms and isopentenyladenine (iP) derivatives. Only a few dihydrozeatin-type cytokinins were detected at very low levels in only nine species. Aromatic cytokinins were also present but at lower levels and were represented by benzyladenine (BA) and ortho- and meta-topolin derivatives. The topolins were present in greater diversity and concentrations than BA. For all the cytokinin types, the free bases, O-glucosides and nucleotides were the most common with no N-glucosides being detected and ribosides present at very low levels. The results suggest that different pathways for regulating cytokinin concentrations operate in macroalgae than in higher plants.
Ascophyllum nodosum extract products are used commercially in the form of liquid concentrate and soluble powder. These formulations are manufactured
from seaweeds that are harvested from natural habitats with inherent environmental variability. The seaweeds by themselves
are at different stages of their development life-cycle. Owing to these differences, there could be variability in chemical
composition that could in turn affect product consistency and performance. Here, we have tested the applicability of using
Arabidopsis thaliana as a model to study the activity of two different extracts from A. nodosum. Three different bioassays: Arabidopsis root-tip elongation bioassay, Arabidopsis liquid growth bioassay and greenhouse growth bioassay were evaluated as growth assays. Our results indicate that both extracts
promoted root and shoot growth in comparison to controls. Further, using Arabidopsis plants with a DR5:GUS reporter gene construct, we provide evidence that components of the commercial A. nodosum extracts modulates the concentration and localisation of auxins which could account, at least in part, for the enhanced plant
growth. The results suggest that A. thaliana could be used effectively as a rapid means to test the bioactivity of seaweed extracts and fractions.
Marine algal seaweed species are often regarded as an underutilized bioresource, many have been used as a source of food,
industrial raw materials, and in therapeutic and botanical applications for centuries. Moreover, seaweed and seaweed-derived
products have been widely used as amendments in crop production systems due to the presence of a number of plant growth-stimulating
compounds. However, the biostimulatory potential of many of these products has not been fully exploited due to the lack of
scientific data on growth factors present in seaweeds and their mode of action in affecting plant growth. This article provides
a comprehensive review of the effect of various seaweed species and seaweed products on plant growth and development with
an emphasis on the use of this renewable bioresource in sustainable agricultural systems.
The effect of marine bioactive substances (IPA extract) on K+ and Ca2+ fluxes and water stress tolerance was evaluated on potted Vitis vinifera plantlets. Different foliar treatments were compared during the experiment: a control treatment (distilled water), a pure fertilizer treatment (9-5-4 at 2%), and a marine bioactive substances (IPA extract, supplied by BiotechMarine, Roullier Group, Pontrieux, France) treatment added to a fertilizer (0.1% solution of IPA extract with distilled water and 9-5-4 at 2%). Ion fluxes, measured by selective non-invasive microelectrodes, were monitored in leaves. IPA extract significantly enhanced both potassium and calcium fluxes compared to the other treatments. Total dry weight and macro- and micro-nutrient content were subsequently measured: results showed an improved growth in IPA extract plants, together with a better capacity in accumulating macronutrients in plant organs, but not micronutrients, especially in leaves. Marine bioactive substances were finally tested for their effectiveness in promoting water stress tolerance: IPA extract was very effective in inducing water stress tolerance, maintaining a higher leaf water potential and stomatal conductance during the stress period, and inducing a quick recovery in rehydrated plants.
Exploitation of seaweed as a manure has only met with variable success owing to rising cost of collection and transportation of the raw material, the introduction of mineral fertilizers, and the lack of published scientific evidence about the value of seaweed as a plant nutrient. Results of some controlled field experiments indicate that seaweed is of benefit to crops while other evidence is contradictory. It is probable that erratic results have been due to variation in any of the following: climatic and soil conditions of field experiments, botanical and geographical source of seaweed, method of seaweed processing, and form of seaweed products. The authors have set out to demonstrate on a small scale whether or not seaweed extracts promote the growth of higher plants and have begun an analysis of the factors which affect the response. A method of screening seaweed extract has been employed using vermiculite as culture medium, with mustard, Sinapis alba, as test plant and growth was determined by measuring height of seedlings, also fresh weight and dry weight. Extracts of fresh seaweeds were prepared and their effects on the growth of mustard compared with those of a commercial seaweed extract. Significant results were obtained twenty days after germination of the seed and the method is useful for giving a fairly rapid assessment of the growth response obtainable with numerous batches of seaweed extracts.
Researchers from University of Florida investigated use of a 1:1 by volume mixture of partially composted seaweed and partially composted yard trimmings (SW) as a component of the growing substrate for angelonia Pink, shooting star, coreopsis, scutellaria Purple Foundations, achillea and coleus. There was no difference in shoot dry weight of angelonia, coreopsis, scutellaria, or coleus plants among the four different percentages of SW compost. Plants grown in control substrates were similar to plants grown in 30, 60 and 100 percent SW. However, the shoot dry weight of shooting star plants decreased as the percentage of SW increased from 0 to 100 percent. Shoot dry weights of achillea plants were greatest in substrates without compost, but there was no difference in shoot dry weight of achillea plants in 30, 60, or 100 percent compost. Analysis of the seaweed compost used showed that substrates containing 30, 60 or 100 percent SW compost had water-holding capacities similar to the control substrate but higher soluble salt concentrations than the control substrate. However, all of these values were within acceptable guidelines or standards for container substrates used for bedding plant production.
Soil application to the roots of tomato plants (Lycopersicon esculentum cv. Ailsa Craig) of a commercially available alkaline extract of the brown alga, Ascophyllum nodosum, resulted in a significant reduction in the number of second stage juveniles of both Meloidogyne javanica and M. incognita invading the roots, compared to those of plants treated with water alone. Egg recovery from the seaweed extract treated plants was also significantly lower. The three major betaines found in the seaweed extract (γ-aminobutyric acid betaine, δ-aminovaleric acid betaine and glycinebetaine), when applied at concentrations equivalent to those in the extract, also led to significant reductions in both the nematode invasion profile and egg recovery. This led to the conclusion that the betaines present in the seaweed extract play a major role in bringing about the observed effects. Application as a soil drench of the inorganic constituents of the extract also resulted in significant reductions in egg recovery, but these reductions were not so pronounced as those produced by application of the betaines.
Many scientific experiments have shown that seaweed products can improve and enhance various aspects of plant growth and development. Of interest is the specificity of different plants to the concentration and mode of seaweed application. This review examines the modem day application of commercial seaweed products in horticulture. Included in the text is a comprehensive table listing a wide range of plants known to benefit from seaweed treatment. Areas of seaweed application that are of particular importance to the horticulturist are discussed in detail. While seaweed products have meat potential for horticultural practices, it would appear that they are being underutilized. Although the reason for this is unclear, a better knowledge of seaweed application will hopefully increase their usage.
We investigated the effect of exogenous cytokinins and marine bioactive substances containing seaweed extracts (marketed by the ROULLIER Group under the trade name N PRO TM.) on nitrate reductase activity in Arabidopsis. Cytokinins, applied either directly in the growth medium or as a foliar spray, did not significantly influence nitrate reductase activity in extracts from in vitro grown Arabidopsis plants. Conversely, Arabidopsis grown in the presence of or sprayed with N PRO had increased nitrate reductase activity. This stimulatory effect of N PRO was even higher when the plants were grown on low nitrate concen-tration, suggesting that these marine bioactive substances may be beneficial for plant growth in adverse nutritional conditions.
Elicitors are molecules known to trigger plant defence responses against pathogens. In a search for new sources of eliciting compounds from marine algae, an extract was prepared from green algae, Ulva spp., and its elicitor activity was established on the model legume, Medicago truncatula. When infiltrated into plant tissues or sprayed onto the leaves, this extract induced the expression of the defence-related marker gene PR10 without provoking necrosis. Spraying a solution at 500 µg mL−1 was sufficient to obtain maximum induction of PR10 after 2 d. Using a cDNA array enriched in genes potentially involved in plant defence, the expression of 152 genes was monitored after one or two consecutive treatments. A broad range of defence-related transcripts was found to be up-regulated, notably genes involved in the biosynthesis of phytoalexins, pathogenesis-related proteins and cell wall proteins. In contrast, the expression of primary metabolism-related genes did not change significantly. Consistent with its effect on defence gene expression, it was found that prior treatment of M. truncatula with the Ulva extract protected the plants against subsequent infection by the pathogenic fungus Colletotrichum trifolii.
The effects of the seaweed concentrate “Kelpak’ on the growth and yield of wheat grown under conditions of varying K supply
were investigated. Kelpak had no significant effect on the yield of wheat receiving an adequate K supply, but significantly
increased the yield of K stressed plants. The increase in yield was caused by an increase in both grain number and individual
grain weight. Although the beneficial effects of seaweed concentrates have often been attributed to their cytokinin content,
several lines of evidence suggested that this group of plant growth regulators may not be solely responsible for the observed
effects of Kelpak on wheat. Irrespective of the physiological mechanism of action, Kelpak would appear to have considerable
potential for increasing yield in K stressed wheat and may therefore reduce the requirement of wheat for K fertilization.
In 1983 and 1984 field plot experiments were established to assess the effects of a foliar applied (2 or 4L ha–1four applications per season) kelpMacrocystis integrifolia, concentrate on growth and nutrition of bean,Phaseolus vulgaris. A commerical kelp concentrate, prepared fromEcklonia maxima, was also used as a test comparison. In the first year a phytohormonal extract of theM. integrifolia concentrate, designed to extract the cytokinin, auxin and gibberellin phytohormones, was also applied to the crop to test the thesis that these phytohormones are active constitutents. In each of the two field seasons the kelp concentrates increased harvestable bean yields on average by 24%. The phytohormonal extract also increased yields, but was less effective than the kelp concentrate itself. Bioassay results demonstrated the presence of phytohormone-like substances in this crude extract.
Seaweed concentrate prepared fromEcklonia maxima (Osbeck) Papenfuss, when applied as a soil drench, significantly improved the growth of tomato seedlings. Application as a foliar spray had no effect on young plants. In a second experiment SWC-treated plants exhibited early fruit ripening and a total fruit fresh weight increase of 17%. The number of harvested fruit were improved by about 10%. In this instance foliar applied SWC was more beneficial than SWC applied to the soil. The significance of these findings is discussed.
Several Vietnamese seaweed species have economic importance as food for humans, as industrial materials, as ingredients in
traditional medicine, and as biofertilizers. The nutritional values of nine representative Vietnamese seaweed species were
analyzed. In this report, all of the species studied are rich in proteins, lipids (especially polyunsaturated fatty acids),
vitamins, pigments, and macro- and micro-elements. The effect of the physiological activities of the green alga, Ulva reticulata, on hepatic fatty acid metabolism were examined in mice. The results indicate that Vietnamese seaweeds are abundant and have
high quality materials for industrial and agricultural purposes.
Seedlings of Pinus pinea L. growing in plastic containers were treated with seaweed concentrate (SWC). Different concentrations of SWC were applied, 0 to 3 times, to the roots or shoots of the seedlings. Shoot application increased plant weight mainly by increasing shoot growth. This was manifested as increased shoot length and weight and a decrease in the root/shoot ratio. Root drenches did not change the total plant weight but it accelerated root growth and increased lateral root dry weight. Root growth capacity (RGC) tests for both shoot and root applications indicated an increase in root length and some increases in root number when applied as a root drench. This study indicates that root application of SWC improved seedling quality and increased the ability of seedlings to survive transplanting into pots.
Although seaweeds and various seaweed products have been utilized in agricultural practices for many years, the precise mechanism by which they elicit their beneficial growth responses is still not fully understood. The amount of mineral nutrients in commercial preparations cannot account for the magnitude of the responses. Some other factor, such as the presence of endogenous plant growth regulators is, therefore, thought to be involved. This paper reviews the literature supporting evidence for the occurrence of plant hormones in commercial seaweed preparations.
The effect of seaweed liquid fertilizers (SLF) of Sargassum wightii and Caulerpa chemnitzia on growth and biochemical constituents of Vigna sinensis was studied. The seeds soaked with aqueous extract of seaweeds performed better when compared to the water soaked controls. Hundred per cent germination was recorded both in aqueous extract soaked and water soaked treatments. The low concentration (20%) of aqueous extracts of S. wightii and C. chemnitzia promoted the seedling growth including the parameters of shoot length (15.87, 14.13 cm/seedling), root length (6.42, 5.38 cm/seedling), fresh weight (4.017, 4.012 g/seedling) and dry weight (0.878, 0.865 g/seedling), chlorophyll (1.599, 1.491 mg g-1 fr. wt.), carotenoids (0.899, 0.875 mg g-1 fr. wt.), protein content of shoot (3.956, 3.474 mg g-1 fr. wt.) and root (2.926, 2.890 mg g-1 fr. wt.), amino acid content of shoot (1.447, 1.429 mg g-1 fr. wt.) and root (0.698, 0.680 mg g-1 fr. wt.), reducing sugar content of shoot (6.426, 6.233 mg g-1 fr. wt.) and root (5.118, 5.103 mg g-1 fr. wt.), total sugar content of shoot (11.846, 11.350 mg g-1 fr. wt.) and root (10.368, 10.102 mg g-1 fr. wt.), alpha-amylase (1.927, 1.819 microg min-1 mg-1 protein) and beta-amylase (1.730, 1.617 microg min-1 mg-1 protein) activities in V. sinensis. Among the two seaweeds tested, S. wightii exhibited better responses.
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