No full-text available
To read the full-text of this research,
you can request a copy directly from the authors.
The effect of Ascophyllum nodosum extract on the growth, yield and fruit quality of tomato grown under tropical conditions
Journal of Applied Phycology
Abstract
Tomato plants (Lycopersicum esculentum Mill) grown under tropical field conditions were treated with an alkaline seaweed extract made from Ascophyllum nodosum (ASWE). Two field experiments and one greenhouse experiment were conducted to evaluate methods of application, dosage of application, and the impact of each on plant growth parameters and on the quality and yield of fruit. Field experiment 1 included 0.2 % ASWE spray, 0.2 % ASWE root drench, fungicide spray and combinations of the above. Plants foliar-sprayed with 0.2 % ASWE had significantly increased plant height (10 %) and plant fruit yield (51 %) when compared to control plants. Similar results were observed for ASWE spray alternated with fungicide or with ASWE root drench. Field experiment 2 included 0.5 % ASWE spray, fungicide spray and ASWE spray alternated with fungicide. The higher concentration of ASWE resulted in a significant increase in plant height (37 %) and plant fruit yield (63 %) compared to control plants. The third experiment under greenhouse conditions also showed that 0.5 % ASWE spray caused a significant increase in plant height (20 %) and plant fruit yield (54 %) compared to control plants. In the greenhouse, ASWE-treated plants had larger root systems and increased concentrations of minerals in the shoots. Fruit from plants treated with ASWE showed significant increases in quality attributes including, size, colour, firmness, total soluble solids, ascorbic acid levels and mineral levels. Overall, the use of ASWE resulted in clear improvements in tomato fruit yield and quality under tropical growing conditions.
... Seaweed extracts and micronutrients hold significant implications for sustainable agriculture by offering a holistic approach to enhancing tomato production through organic means [10,11]. The combination of seaweed extracts and micronutrients can present a promising avenue for enhancing the net returns of tomato cultivation. ...
... Seaweed extracts include a significant amount of hormones that boost plant growth, such as auxin, gibberellin, and cytokinin. These hormones activate the plant's metabolic pathways, resulting in increased growth, flowering, and fruit setting [11]. Another mechanism related to SWE are reduction of oxidative stress leading to increased antioxidant activity which results in increased plant yield [13]. ...
... This improved yield is a result of increased hormone activity in plants [18]. When tomato plants were treated with A. nodosum extract, similar outcomes for increased fruit size and number of fruits per plant were also noted [11,16,[19][20][21]. ...
In recent days, seaweed extracts are being used as biostimulants in agriculture. Various studies define that it enhances the growth of horticultural crops, but there is still a dearth of information regarding their biostimulant effect on yield and net returns of tomatoes. Hence, this research aims to explore the efficacy of seaweed extract in conjunction with micronutrients to enhance tomato yield, ultimately maximizing the economic returns. A field experiment using a factorial randomized block design with three replications was carried out comprising two factors, factor A, i.e., 12 treatment combinations of Ascophyllum nodosum extract (0.2% and 0.4%), Zinc (0.2%), and Boron (0.2%) applied at 15, 30, and 45 days after transplanting as a foliar spray and factor B, i.e., two hybrid varieties of tomato viz., Tomato no. 575 (red) and Yellow Jubilee (yellow). As per the results obtained, the treatment T12 (Zn @ 0.2% + B @ 0.2% + ANSE @ 0.4%) significantly improved the plant average weight of fruit, number of fruits/plant, equitorial and polar diameter of fruit, yield/plant, average yield/ha and harvest duration for both the studied varieties V1 (Tomato no. 575) and V2 (Yellow Jubilee). Moreover, it positively increased the net returns of tomato crops by enhancing marketable yield to fetch better returns. All the studied yield traits showed a significant positive correlation with the economic traits. The findings indicate significant improvements in key yield parameters, including fruit size, weight, and overall plant health. Moreover, the economic assessment underscores the financial viability of adopting these enhanced agricultural practices.
... Numerous biostimulant compounds present in SWEs elicit the gene responsible for nutrient uptake [32,34]. For instance, Ascophyllum nodosum extract unregulated the expression of a nitrate transporter gene in roots; BnNRT1.1 and BnNRT2.1 enhanced the nitrogen assimilation and auxin transport [41] through enhancing of lateral roots. Simultaneously, overexpression of BnSultr4.1 and BnSultr4.2 ...
... Simultaneously, overexpression of BnSultr4.1 and BnSultr4.2 genes stimulate sulfur absorption [41]. Moreover, A. nodosum extracts further enhanced biomass, antioxidant, chlorophyll, flavonoids and phenolic content in plants through stimulation of genes (e.g; GS1) related to phenylpropanoid and flavonoid pathways to activate several enzymes namely chitinase, betaine aldehyde dehydrogenase, glutathione reductase (GR), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), RuBisCO and carbonic anhydrase; thus, enhancing the overall growth of plants [42]. ...
... Currently, only liquid, dispersible, and soluble solid formulations are available. There have not been many recorded successful attempts to develop unique commercial formulations for use in conventional and protected crop production systems using SWES [41]. While there is a plethora of beneficial effects of SWE-based foliar and seed priming applications, there are also some unwanted side effects posed by seaweedbased products that must be addressed in advance. ...
Abiotic stress is one of the major perils in agriculture that reduces crop yield at an alarming rate. Hence, exploring an important plant stress-mitigating technique is critical. Seaweeds are extensively used as plant biostimulants and their biostimulatory properties are due to bioactive compounds such as polysaccharides, pigments, phenolic compounds, proteins, phytohormones, and numerous micro and macro nutrients. Foliar applications of seaweed extracts (SWEs) exhibit promising outcomes for plants' stress alleviation. Seaweed, namely Ascophyllum spp., Sargassum spp., Kappaphycus spp., and Ulva spp. are the best candidates evaluated to improve plant growth and development under various abiotic stress conditions. Foliar sprays of SWEs improve crop growth, boost final yield, and product quality. Furthermore, the mechanisms activated in response to stress when SWEs are used are largely unknown. However, existing phytostimulatory components could affect plant metabolism by activating numerous enzymes in the phenylpropanoid pathway, and their antioxidant properties could lessen the degenerative effects of reactive oxygen species that accumulate in plant tissues during a stressful environment. Noticeably, SWEs regulate the expression of phytohormone-responsive genes, which in turn control endogenous phytohormone levels, thereby improving plant growth and development. This review explores seaweed taxonomy, biostimulatory properties, and the impact of foliar applications of SWEs on crop production under abiotic stresses, including the way SWEs attenuate the deleterious effect, highlighting limitations, areas requiring further investigation, and potential developments.
... For 'Thessaloniki', the respective increases were 24% and 12%, revealing the genotype-biostimulant specificity [50,67]. According to Ali et al. [89], a 0.5% foliar application of an A. nodosum extract enhanced tomato yield by 54%. Similarly, Subramaniyan et al. [90] recorded a 67.8% yield increase when 5.0 L ha −1 of A. nodosum was applied as soil drenching. ...
... Considering the impact of biostimulants on fruit quality attributes, it was evident that in the cherry-type landrace 'Tomataki', the application of A. nodosum extract yielded positive effects on both TSSC and fruit firmness (FF). Similarly, a study reported by Ali et al. [89] demonstrated a significant increase in TSSC (°Brix) and FF upon foliar application of A. nodosum extract on tomato plants, compared with the control. Previous studies have shown that seaweed extracts, specifically A. nodosum, can enhance the ability of tomato plants to withstand environmental stressors such as salinity [105] through inducing various biochemical, physiological, and molecular mechanisms. ...
... In the present study, TA was increased only in 'Tomataki' and remained unaffected in 'Thessaloniki'. However, the reverse was the case in the studies reported by Ali et al. [89] and Subramaniyan et al. [90], where TA was reduced following A. nodosum application. This suggests that the effectiveness of biostimulants depends on the particular variety/genotype/landrace. ...
Salinity, one of the major abiotic stresses in plants, significantly hampers germination, photosynthesis, biomass production, nutrient balance, and yield of staple crops. To mitigate the impact of such stress without compromising yield and quality, sustainable agronomic practices are required. Among these practices, seaweed extracts (SWEs) and microbial biostimulants (PGRBs) have emerged as important categories of plant biostimulants (PBs). This research aimed at elucidating the effects on growth, yield, quality, and nutrient status of two Greek tomato landraces (‘Tomataki’ and ‘Thessaloniki’) following treatments with the Ascophyllum nodosum seaweed extract ‘Algastar’ and the PGPB ‘Nitrostim’ formulation. Plants were subjected to bi-weekly applications of biostimulants and supplied with two nutrient solutions: 0.5 mM (control) and 30 mM NaCl. The results revealed that the different mode(s) of action of the two PBs impacted the tolerance of the different landraces, since ‘Tomataki’ was benefited only from the SWE application while ‘Thessaloniki’ showed significant increase in fruit numbers and average fruit weight with the application of both PBs at 0.5 and 30 mM NaCl in the root zone. In conclusion, the stress induced by salinity can be mitigated by increasing tomato tolerance through the application of PBs, a sustainable tool for productivity enhancement, which aligns well with the strategy of the European Green Deal.
... Los efectos positivos en el proceso metabólico que esta alga proporciona en las plantas se han reflejado en el incremento del rendimiento (Ali et al. 2016;Mattner et al. 2018). mejoran la tasa fotosintética, incrementan grosor de tallo, longitud del botón floral y en consecuencia la productividad (Medjdoub, 2020). ...
... También mejoran las tasas de germinación de semillas y vigor de las plántulas, crecimiento y pág. 1577 rendimiento de cultivos (Ali et al. 2016, Arioli et al. 2015. ...
... Ya que las plantas tratadas con Ca (NO3 )2 0 An 500mg L -1 , Ca (NO3 )2 0 An 2500 mg L -1 y Ca (NO3 )2 1g An 500mg L -1 obtuvieron los mayores valores y en consecuencia, un incremento de 17.01%, 10.8% y 20.03% en comparación al testigo (figura 1c). estos resultados concuerdan con los reportado por Ali et al. (2016) donde se obtuvo que con la aplicación de Ascophyllum nodosum, el rendimiento por planta fue 53% superior al testigo. Se ha reportado también, que el tratamiento con el extracto también aumentó significativamente los rendimientos comercializables en un 8-19 % en el cultivo de fresa usando una dosis de 10 L Ha -1 (Mattner et al. 2018), también aumentan los rendimientos de berenjena que pueden ser superiores en 48% y 13%, en comparación con el control (Pohl et al. 2019), se ha demostradoy documentado que la aspersión foliar con extractos de algas aceleran el desarrollo vegetativo, floración, fructificación en el cultivo de berenjena (Ramya et al. 2015). ...
La agricultura mundial se enfrenta a la demanda de alimentaria debido al crecimiento de la población, por otro lado, los cultivos se ven afectados por una serie de factores ambientales. Ante estas problemáticas se han buscado alternativas que puedan frenar los efectos del estrés y mejoren la actividad fisiológica, además de que favorezca en la mejora de la calidad de los frutos. El objetivo de esta investigación fue evaluar el efecto de bioestimulantes en plantas de tomate desarrolladas bajo la condición de campo abierto, se diseñó un experimento bloques al azar. Se aplicó 1g L-1 de Ca(NO3)2 y extractos de algas (Ascophyllum nodosum) (An) a 500mg L-1 y a 2500 mg L-1(3 aplicaciones con intervalos de 15 días) vía foliar durante el ciclo del cultivo se tomó variables del tipo vegetativo, variables de calidad de fruto. La aplicación de An obtuvo un incremento significativo en las variables Altura y diámetro de tallo, por otro lado, la aplicación de Ca(NO3)2 en combinación con An mejoró de manera significativa la calidad de frutos de tomate. La aplicación de extractos de algas del Ascophyllum nodosum en combinación de un mineral como es el nitrato de calcio de forma foliar, favorece a la activación metabólica de las plantas ayudando a la regulación, mitigando cualquier tipo de estrés que se presente, reflejando así, los efectos positivos que forman parte de una biostimulación generada por el calcio, este elemento mejora la calidad y la firmeza en los tejidos vegetales. El Ascophyllum nodosum es un precursor del metabolismo secundario, puede activar el mecanismo de defensa apoyando a la mitigación del estrés y aumenta las propiedades organolépticas de las plantas.
... Application of SWE also has phytohormones-like effects viz; cytokinins, gibberellins, auxins, abscisic acid, and betaines. The effect of these substances on crops depends on the type of plant, its receptor mechanism, and the type of application used specifically foliar, root feeding, or a combination of both (Ali et al. 2016). The values for various vegetative parameters performed better with dual applications of 1.25 ml/L SWE during the pre-flowering and fruit set stages. ...
... The increased shape index values with the applications of 1.25 ml/L and 1.0 ml/L SWE during the pre-flowering and fruit set stages are consistent with Musawi's (2018) results in sour orange. The function of SWE is like the various growth regulators like GA, auxin, and cytokinin that increase fruit growth (Rana et al. 2022;Ali et al. 2016Ali et al. , 2021. ...
... This decreases the cell wall potential and allows water to enter the cell, causing it to elongate (Tripathi et al. 2011;Ali et al. 2021). The increased fruit dimensions and weight may also be related to the high levels of cytokinin, auxins, and betaines (Ali et al. 2016), which may have affected cell division during the early phases of fruit development. The weight of a strawberry is determined by the number of mature achenes containing free auxin. ...
Seaweed extract (SWE) is a marine bioactive component that may be used as bio-stimulants in horticultural crops. The current study was conducted to determine the "Influence of seaweed extract on strawberry growth, yield, and quality" during the 2018–2019 growing season. The experiment included seaweed extract (SWE) at 0.75 mL/L during pre-flowering, SWE at 1.0 mL/L during pre-flowering, SWE at 1.25 mL/L during pre-flowering, SWE at 0.75 mL/L during fruit set, SWE at 1.0 mL/L during fruit set, SWE at 1.25 mL/L during fruit set and SWE at 0.75 mL/L during pre-flowering. SWE @ 1.25 ml/L at pre-flowering and fruit set exhibited better vegetative and fruit quality characteristics, according to the results. However, SWE @ 1.0 ml/L during pre-flowering and fruit set had the highest cumulative yield per plant and shape index. The more number of crowns per plant was recorded with SWE @ 1.0 ml/L at the pre-flowering stage, whereas the highest anthocyanin content was observed with SWE @ 1.25 ml/L during the pre-flowering stage. Among varieties, the Camrosa showed superior results in terms of plant spread, percent fruit set leaf area, several leaves, number of the crown, fruit length, fruit breadth, and anthocyanin content, whereas the highest yield and yield efficiency were found to be superior in winter dawn with an aforementioned application of SWE.
... On the other hand, the average fruit weight, fruit length, equatorial fruit diameter and yield were favored when spraying cucumber plants with seaweed extract (without the addition of microorganisms). The favorable behavior of seaweed extracts on the development and yield of the fruits has been reported in works carried out on pepper (Ashour et al., 2021), cucumber , strawberry (Al-Shatri et al., 2020) and tomato (Ali et al., 2016). Although the single application of microorganisms (10 spores mL -1 + 10 6 CFU and 0 ppm of seaweed extract) did not improve cucumber fruit development, it was observed that applying the microorganisms in combination with the highest concentration of seaweed extract improved equatorial diameter and yield of cucumber fruits in comparison when none of the biostimulants were added, exceeding it by 9.4% and 91%, respectively. ...
... Likewise, when spraying cucumber plants with seaweed extract (without the addition of microorganisms) the firmness of the fruits improved, mainly when concentrations of 250 and 500 ppm were added. The results agree with those reported by Ali et al. (2016), who indicated that when spraying tomato plants with Ascophyllum nodosum fruits with greater firmness were obtained. The synergism between the microorganisms and the seaweed extract was not reflected in the firmness of the cucumber fruit, since when they were added in combination this parameter decreased. ...
... Whereas, spraying the plants with seaweed extract (without the addition of microorganisms) improved the content of total soluble solids in cucumber fruits, mainly when high concentrations were added; but, this effect did not appear in the titratable acidity. The results agree with those reported in other studies, in which an increase in total soluble solids has been achieved in tomato, grapevine and strawberry fruits by spraying the plants with Ascophyllum nodosum (Ali et al., 2016;Frioni et al. 2018;Frioni et al., 2018). Likewise, the results coincide with Al-Shatri et al. (2020), who indicated a significant decrease in titratable acidity in strawberry fruits when increasing the application of seaweed. ...
Natural biostimulants, such as microorganisms and seaweed extracts, are used in agriculture to improve crop yields with a sustainable approach. However, the interaction effects between different biostimulants have not been thoroughly investigated. The objective of this work was to evaluate the synergistic effects of microorganisms (Glomus intraradices and Azospirillum brasilense) and seaweed extract (Ascophyllum nodosum and Macrocytis pyrifera) on growth, yield and fruit quality of cucumber plants under soilless cultivation. Two doses of microorganisms (0 and 10 spores mL-1 + 106 CFU) and four concentrations of seaweed extract (0, 250, 500 and 2500 ppm) were evaluated. The experimental design used was a randomized complete block design with a factorial arrangement (2 x 4), with four replications per treatment. The results showed that the equatorial diameter of the fruit, yield and titratable acidity improve when applying microorganisms and seaweed extract in combination; however, when applying the two biostimulants the values of plant height, stem diameter, number of leaves, root length, biomass (fresh and dry), firmness, total soluble solids, vitamin C, chlorophyll (a and total) and indices of color (L* and b*) did not exceed those obtained when the biostimulants were applied individually. The combined application of microorganisms and seaweed extract improves cucumber yield, but not vegetative growth and, except for titratable acidity, fruit quality attributes.
... The mineral nutrients of the fruits were significantly increased: nitrogen by 81%, phosphorus by 8%, potassium by 50%, calcium by 57%, iron by 25%, and zinc by 33%, and the intensity of sodium was reduced by 2% [71]. The AnE enhanced the yield and quality of the tomato fruit, as betaines in the extract enhanced the chlorophyll pigment in the tomato leaves and decreased its deterioration rate [72,73]. The seaweed-treated tomato plants exhibited improved concentrations of minerals in their shoots and a significant increase in fruit quality and other attributes, including size, color, total soluble solids, ascorbic acid, and minerals under tropical growing conditions [73]. ...
... The AnE enhanced the yield and quality of the tomato fruit, as betaines in the extract enhanced the chlorophyll pigment in the tomato leaves and decreased its deterioration rate [72,73]. The seaweed-treated tomato plants exhibited improved concentrations of minerals in their shoots and a significant increase in fruit quality and other attributes, including size, color, total soluble solids, ascorbic acid, and minerals under tropical growing conditions [73]. Mohamed et al. [74] observed that the foliar application of AnE in the chickpea cultivar Giza 195 improved the seed quality and amino acid and mineral contents in the seeds and induced favorable changes in the protein profile. ...
... AnE [73] Prunus dulcis Almond Foliar application improved growth and potassium uptake. AnE [109] Morus alba Mulberry Seaweed extract significantly increases both the quality and quantity of mulberry leaves. ...
Algae are existing macroscopic materials with substantial benefits, including as important growth regulators and macronutrients and micronutrients for the growth of healthy crop plants. Biofertilizers obtained from algae are identified as novel production fertilizers or innovative biofertil-izers without the detrimental impacts of chemicals. Seaweeds contain many water-soluble minerals and nutrients that plants can easily absorb and that are valuable for crop plants' growth. At present, Ascophyllum nodosum (L.) Le Jolis extract outperforms chemical fertilizers in terms of increasing seed germination, plant development, and yield, as well as protecting plants from severe biotic and abiotic stresses. A. nodosum contains bioactive compounds that exhibit an array of biological activities such as antibiotic, anti-microbial, antioxidant, anti-cancer, anti-obesity, and anti-diabetic activities. A. nodosum extract (AnE) contains alginic acid and poly-uronides that improve soil's water-carrying ability, morsel structure, aeration, and capillary action, stimulating root systems in plants, increasing microbial activity in soil, and improving mineral absorption and availability. The scientific literature has comprehensively reviewed these factors, providing information about the different functions of A. nodosum in plant growth, yield, and quality, the alleviation of biotic and abiotic stresses in plants, and their effects on the interactions of plant root systems and microbes. The application of AnE significantly improved the germination rate, increased the growth of lateral roots, enhanced water and nutrient use efficiencies, increased antioxidant activity, increased phenolic and flavonoid contents, increased chlorophyll and nutrient contents, alleviated the effects of abiotic and biotic stresses in different crop plants, and even improved the postharvest quality of different fruits.
... Therefore, we suggest that, under mulches, there was a greater availability of nutrients, mainly due to the reduced losses, which probably caused a greater accumulation of TSS. In addition, Ali et al. [67] on tomato plants treated with an A. nodosum seaweed extract at 0.2% and 0.5%, found that the total soluble solids were higher in treated plants, and they increased with the increase of the seaweed concentration, showing values similar to ours (4.72, mean value of the two treatments, and 4.69, mean value of Bio treatments). However, the literature also reports different results than ours; in particular, Carillo et al. [29], in tomato fruits, did not find a significant effect of Trichoderma harzianum T22 on total soluble solids, while Ruiz-Cisneros et al. [68] found that tomato treated with T. harzianum showed lower values of TSS. ...
... This increase can be attributed to the induction of the biosynthesis of phytohormones following the activation of the defense mechanisms of the plant, with particular reference to ethylene, a chemical compound responsible for the expression of plant maturity [70]. Our findings are also consistent with the results of Ali et al. [67], which reported that the values of firmness were higher (about +34% compared to control plants) in plants treated with A. nodosum extracts. Cozzolino et al. [71], on tomato plants treated with three different biostimulants (seaweed extracts, legume-derived protein hydrolizate, and tropical plant extracts), found a significant increase in firmness as well as in total soluble solids. ...
... On the other hand, for carotenoids, which include lycopene and betacarotene, responsible for the red/orange color of fruits, we found higher values in fruits of plants grown on bare soil and not treated, but not different from the values of fruits obtained on NOV film and treated with M-B. In the literature, the results regarding the effects of biostimulants on color parameters are contrasting; in fact, Ruiz-Cisneros et al. [68] reported that the tested microorganisms, including T. harzianum, did not modify the color of tomato fruits; Ali et al. [67] found that the brightness of tomato fruits treated with A. nodosum extracts decreased while a* and b* parameters increased. ...
Tomato is a great source of bioactive compounds, is important for human health, and is cultivated worldwide. However, the high inputs required for its cultivation must be sustainably managed in order to limit yield losses, thus obtaining high-quality and environmentally friendly production. In this perspective, we compared four biostimulant treatments, i.e., Ascophyllum nodosum extract-Bio; microbial biostimulant containing the microorganism Trichoderma afroharzi-anum-Mic; a combination of both-M-B; not treated-Control) and three mulch treatments (biode-gradable film Ecovio-ECO; biodegradable film MaterBi ®-NOV; bare soil-BS) and evaluated their effects on yield and quality traits in processing tomato. Both biodegradable films elicited a 27.0% yield increase compared to plants grown on bare soil, and biostimulants determined a 23.7% increase over the Control, with the best performance recorded for M-B (+24.8%). Biodegradable Ma-terBi ® film (NOV) was associated with higher total soluble solids (TSS) and firmness values (average of 4.9°Brix and 1.30 kg cm −2 , respectively), even if a significant effect of biostimulants was observed only for the second element. Carotenoid content was higher in non-treated plants grown on bare soil as well as hydrophilic antioxidant activity (AA), but in this case, no differences between bi-ostimulant treatments were recorded. The lipophilic AA in NOV-treated plants was about six and four times higher than observed in BS and ECO treatments, respectively; NOV also caused a 38.7% increase in ascorbic acid content over the Control but was not different from ECO. All biostimulant treatments elicited a 30% increase in phenol content compared to Control plants. Our findings highlight that microbial biostimulants based on A. nodosum extract and T. afroharzianum (both applied singularly and combined) can be considered a sustainable tool for increasing yield and improve some quality traits of processing tomato; in addition, we also confirmed the capability of biodegradable mulches, in particular, MaterBi ® , to enhance the agronomic performance of tomato.
... The use of products containing seaweed extracts as biofertilizers or biostimulants is an alternative to improve the yield and quality of harvested products (Ali et al., 2016;Hassan et al., 2021). Seaweed extracts contain high levels of bioactive compounds such as mannitol, alginic acid, polysaccharides, oligosaccharides, vitamins, antioxidants, and phytohormones (auxins, cytokinins, gibberellins, and betaines) that can benefit plant metabolism (Ali et al., 2019). ...
... In our study, the results obtained show that the application of ANE at the highest doses by foliar sprays is as effective as application by root drenching for avocado plants in their different growing stages. Similar conclusions were reported in tomatoes, in which plant nutritional status, growth, and fruit yield and quality did not differ between application methods (foliar v. drench) (Ali et al., 2016). Additionally, the efficiency of the application method can be associated with the application rate (Li and Mattson, 2015). ...
Knowledge of Ascophyllum nodosum extracts (ANEs) is still limited to avocado 'Hass' in the tropics. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of two ANEs application methods (foliar vs. drench) at four different doses (0, 2.5, 5 and 7.5 ml/l) on the physiological response of three different avocado stages (seedlings and young and adult trees). Foliar or drench ANEs applications were performed monthly for all plants for 16 weeks. The evaluated variables were recorded at 4 and 20 weeks after the start of treatment (WAT). The results showed that ANEs can be applied to the drench or foliar method at doses ≥ 5 ml/l in the different growth stages evaluated. In seedlings, foliar or drench ANEs applications increased total dry weight (34.5 and 57.9 g for 0 and ≥ 5 ml/l, respectively) and stomatal conductance (gs) (380 and 205 mmol/m2s for 0 and ≥ 5 ml/l, respectively) at 20 WAT. In young trees, both application methods also improved growing index (88.6 and 102 cm for 0 and ≥ 5 ml/l, respectively) and gs (516 and 636 mmol/m2s for 0 and ≥ 5 ml/l, respectively) at the last sampling point. Adult trees showed that foliar or drench applications at higher doses also caused an increase in fruit yield (3.4 and 8.7 kg/tree for 0 and ≥ 5 ml/l, respectively) at 20 WAT. In conclusion, the use of foliar and soil ANEs applications at higher doses (≥ 5 ml/l) can be considered for integratedcrop management of 'Hass' avocado.
... In particular, seaweed extracts have been demonstrated to stimulate early flowering, increased flower formation, and improved fruit set in a variety of crop plants, including bean, pepper, and tomato (N. Ali et al., 2016;O. Ali et al., 2019;Dookie et al., 2020;El-Yazied et al., 2012). ...
... More broadly, other studies have also shown that application of seaweed extracts induces early flowering and increased fruit set in tomato and pepper plants (N. Ali et al., 2016;O. Ali et al., 2019;Hussain et al., 2021;Suchithra et al., 2022). ...
Algae-derived products have great potential as crop biostimulants due to their multiple beneficial effects at different stages of plant development. Green seaweeds of the genus Ulva are well suited for this purpose because they are widely distributed and grow rapidly in a wide range of conditions. In this study, a greenhouse experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of dry seaweed powder (DSP) and liquid seaweed extract (LSE) of Ulva ohnoi on the reproductive development of tomato plants. The experiment included three treatments: 1) plants treated with 5 g of DSP, 2) plants treated with 250 mL of LSE, and (3) control plants (without algae). The reproductive parameters, chlorophyll content, and mineral composition were measured during the flowering and early fruiting periods. The application of DSP was the most effective treatment in promoting early flowering and significantly increased the number of buds (103%), flower clusters (55%), flowers (61%), and fruits (45%) per plant. Furthermore, the DSP-treated plants exhibited an enhancement in the levels of chlorophyll and nutrients in the plants and fruits. The results of the current work show that the application of U. ohnoi in its natural form (dry powder) stimulates the reproductive development of crop tomato. This represents a sustainable and natural alternative to synthetic inputs that growers can incorporate into horticultural production to improve yield attributes.
... Many scientists also reported that significant increase of plant yield with nutrient quality were observed after using seaweed extracts in different economical crops such as: cucumber, tomato, pepper, lettuce, spinach, and strawberry (Xu and Leskover, 2015;Ali et al., 2016;Trejo Valenci et al., 2018;Kapur et al., 2018 andYusuf et al., 2019). In addition, Hassan et al., (2021) demonstrated that the foliar application of seaweed (TAM) can significantly increase the yield, growth and quality of cucumber (Cucumis sativus) as comparison with use of conventional NPK fertilization. ...
... In addition, seaweed extracts comprise different types of strong antioxidants including carotenoids, and also phenolic complexes such as; flavonoids, benzoic acid, phenolic acids, isoflavones, cinnamic acid and quercetin (Ali et al., 2021). On the other hand, the consequence use of seaweed substances on crops is affected and depends on application type, mechanizes of use, and plant genotype (Ali et al., 2016). These extracts are natural bioactive compounds; they can be used as liquid extracts for foliar and soil applications, or in granular form as soil improvers and fertilizer (Thirumaran et al., 2009). ...
This factorial experiment was conducted in a greenhouse during the period of May 3, 2021 to August 5, 2021 at the research farm belongs to the Horticulture Department, College of Agricultural Engineering Sciences, University of Sulaimani, Sulaimani, Iraq. The experiment was designed to study the effect of some biostimulants, individually and their combinations, on cucumber plants performance under greenhouse conditions; in addition to compare the results with 100% of chemical fertilizers application. The treatments consisted of control (without adding any kinds of biostimulants) recommended dose of 100% chemical fertilizers (RDCF), seaweed extracts (SE), moringa leaf extract (MLE), bacterial-based biostimulant of Fulzym-plus (FP), that contains Bacillus subtilis and Pseudomonas putida, (SE+MLE), (SE+FP), (MLE+FP), and (SE+MLE+FP). The experiment was laid out in simple-RCBD with 3 replications. The results showed that the application of different biostimulants, individually and their combinations, significantly improved the root growth characteristics at P≤ 0.05. However, the highest values of lateral roots number per plant, lateral root length, lateral root diameter and root system dry weight were recorded by the application of recommended dose of chemical fertilizer (RDCF). While, this treatment was not different substantially with the triple combination of the tested biostimulants (SE+FP+MLE) in all studied root characteristics. In addition, untreated plants registered the minimum value of all the mentioned characters. In addition, majority of the biostimulant treatments showed positive effective on the vegetative growth characteristics compared to untreated plants, but the triple combination between them (SE+MLE+FP) was more affective. Even though the chemical fertilization treatment (RDCF) recorded the longest plant shoot, highest number of nodes per plant, thickest stem, maximum plant leaf area, highest percentage of leaf dry matter and highest intensity of chlorophyll pigment in the leaves. At the same time, this treatment was not various markedly with the co-application of the biostimulants (SE+MLE+FP) in all mentioned traits related to the vegetative growth. Also, control plants recorded minimum values for all vegetative measurements. Furthermore, applying the biostimulants, individually and their combinations, had a substantial impact on improving the concentration of macronutrients (N, P and K) and micronutrients (Fe and Zn) if compared to control, with exception to the individual effect of (MLE) and (FP) on Fe concentration as well as dual application between (SE+FP) on Zn concentration. Despite the recommended dose of chemical fertilizer (RDCF) resulted in the highest concentration of N, P and Fe; and applying bacterial-based biostimulant of FP obtained the highest concentration of K and Zn. While, these treatments were not different statistically with the treatment of (SE+FP+MLE) in all measured nutrients. The control treatment recorded the minimum concentration of all the measured nutrients. Additionally, our results revealed that the application of biostimulant treatments had a significant impact on improving some reproductive growth and plant yield characteristics of cucumber plants if compared to untreated plants. Though the application of (RDCF) observed the minimum number of aborted flowers per plant, highest fruit set percentage, maximum number of fruits per plant and consequently highest plant yield; as well as applying the (SE) resulted in the highest fruit weight. While, these treatments were not differed substantially with the triple combination of the biostimulants (SE+FP+MLE) in all studied characteristics related to the reproductive growth and yield components. On the other hand, untreated plants recorded the maximum number of aborted flowers per plant; minimum fruit set percentage, lowest fruit number per plant and plant yield. Regarding the quality characteristics, the longest fruit was recorded by the application of (SE+MLE+FP). However, it was not different substantially from (RDCF), (SE) and (MLE+FP). In addition, the maximum fruit diameter was obtained by the applications of (RDCF), (SE+FP) and (SE+MLE+FP), However, they did not differ significantly from the other bistimulant treatments. On the other side, untreated plants produced the shortest fruits and smallest fruits diameter. All the cucumber plants that treated with the biostimulants did not differ significantly with (RDCF) in fruit dry matter %. Additionally, all the biostimulant treatments, except the (SE+MLE), were markedly increased this trait as compared to control. Concerning the fruit non-enzymatic antioxidants content, the application of SE recorded the highest content of total phenolic content (TPC), and it was significantly superior over the other treatments. Furthermore, the highest content of total flavonoid content (TFC) was found by the applying of (SE+MLE+FP); which it was significantly superior over
... Based on these results, Ascophyllum nodosum extract may be a viable bio stimulant for agricultural, helping plants to develop more robustly and more resistant to stress. According to Ali et al. (2016) and Ali et al. (2022). Anthocyanin activity and chlorophyll abundance were both enhanced by a 0.3% ANE spray (Ali et al., 2022). ...
... These findings align with those of Mahmoud et al. (2016) on apple found that foliar application of SWE greatly boosted the number, area of leaf, and shoot length as vegetative growth parameters. Also, in specific experiments with tomato plants, it was found that higher concentrations of Ascophyllum nodosum extract spray resulted in a significant increase in plant height, leaf number and branch development compared to control plants (Ali et al., 2016 andAli et al., 2021). They added that the extract contains natural growthpromoting compounds such as cytokinins and auxins that stimulate cell division and lateral bud development, resulting in increased leaf number and branch formation. ...
... The tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) is a member of the Solanaceae family and is one of the most important horticultural crops worldwide due to its nutritional, nutraceutical, and economic value [39,40]. Currently, the main challenges facing tomato production include optimizing the development of the vegetative and reproductive parts of tomato plants as well as yield in terms of productivity and fruit quality to satisfy the market demand while minimizing chemical inputs [20,23,[41][42][43]. ...
... Seaweed products are known to contain various minerals because seaweeds bioaccumulate the minerals found in seawater [39]. The predominant macronutrients in the SP and SE were N, K, and Mg and K and Mg, respectively, while the P concentration was low in both SP and SE. ...
Citation: Espinosa-Antón, A.A.; Zamora-Natera, J.F.; Zarazúa-Villaseñor, P.; Santacruz-Ruvalcaba, F.; Sánchez-Hernández, C.V.; Águila Alcántara, E.; Torres-Morán, M.I.; Velasco-Ramírez, A.P.; Hernández-Herrera, R.M. Application of Seaweed Generates Changes in the Substrate and Stimulates the Growth of Tomato Plants. Plants 2023, 12, 1520. https:// Abstract: Ulva ohnoi is a cosmopolitan green seaweed with commercial potential given the biomass that may be generated. We evaluated the effects of substrate changes induced by U. ohnoi application on the vegetative response of tomato plants under greenhouse conditions. First, the decomposition dynamics and N release of the dry seaweed biomass were studied using the litterbag method. Subsequently, we evaluated the effect of seaweed powder (SP) or seaweed extract (SE) applications on substrate and plant growth. Additionally, the growth parameters responses evaluated were related to the changes in substrate properties associated with each treatment. The results showed that the dry seaweed biomass has a rapid rate of degradation (k = 0.07 day −1) and N release (k = 0.024 day −1). The SP application improved the physicochemical and biological characteristics of the substrate by increasing the availability of minerals, the fungi:bacteria ratio, and the growth morphophysiological parameters (length, area, dry and fresh weight), chlorophyll and mineral content. In contrast, SE treatment showed a positive effect on the root, mineral content, and soil microbes. This study highlights the agricultural potential of U. ohnoi powder as an alternative supplement that supports nutrition and promotes the vegetative growth of plants cultivated in soilless horticultural systems.
... Many commercial biostimulants contain the extracts of A. nodosum, which has been shown to considerably increase crop production, biometric traits, and quality, and it also imparts tolerance against various abiotic stresses [16][17][18][19]. A plethora of studies explained that A. nodosum has biostimulation effects on various agricultural and horticultural crops, such as watermelon [20,21], tomato [22-24], wheat [25], soybean [26], sweet pepper [27], pea [28], maize [29], and okra [30]. ...
... Biostimulant products produced from seaweed extracts enhanced the colonization and growth of beneficial microbes in the rhizosphere of the plant, which increases the nutrient solubilization and mineral nutrient uptake in plants, thereby enhancing the growth, photosynthetic rate, and plant yield [57]. Foliar spraying of plant extract, seaweed extract, and legume-derived protein hydrolysate significantly improved the tomato fruit yield. This better performance is due to the presence of polysaccharides in A. nodosum, which enhance the productivity of plants by stimulating the auxin and cytokinin phytohormones activity [16,53]. ...
Biostimulants are innovative organic tools, which promote the growth, plant development, production, and quality of various crops without harming the environment; however, the effects of biostimulants on the production of tomato needed to be explored further under open field conditions. Based on this view, this study’s objective was to assess the impact of Kendal Root, a biostimulant-containing seaweed, Ascophyllum nodosum, and plant extracts on the phytomorpho-physiological, yield, and quality of tomato. Three doses of Kendal Root (2.5, 5.0, and 10 L ha−1) were given as soil drenching, and the results were compared with control. Generally, the Kendal Root treatments positively improved the growth, physiological, yield, and quality attributes of tomato. However, among the three different concentrations, Kendal Root 5.0 L ha−1 significantly improved the plant growth and physiological aspects of tomato, such as plant height, leaf area, shoot and root dry weight, SPAD value, and gas exchange parameters. Considering the yield traits, the Kendal Root 5.0 L ha−1 application significantly improved the tomato fruit number, yield per plant, and yield per hectare. Conversely, flower number per plant and average fruit weight was not remarkably improved by Kendal Root 5.0 L ha−1. Moreover, Kendal Root 5.0 L ha−1 positively improved the quality traits of tomato, including total soluble solids, ascorbic acid content, lycopene, and total sugars than the titratable acidity content of tomato fruits. Hence, the integration of Kendal Root biostimulant in tomato production could be an effective way to boost plant growth, production, and quality of tomato.
... It can enhance the ability of plants to resist adversity (Machado et al., 2014;Salah et al., 2018;Cabo et al., 2019;Khompatara et al., 2019;Islam et al., 2020), especially drought resistance. Reports on the application of seaweed extract on many crops, such as rice (Yang et al., 2021a), tomato (Ali et al., 2016;Carmody et al., 2020), maize (Trivedi et al., 2018), soybean (Martynenko et al., 2016;Shukla et al., 2018), onion (Almaroai and Eissa, 2020), and coriander (Tursun, 2022) have shown that the seaweed extract application can improve the drought resistance of crops and reduce the negative impact of drought on crop yield. In recent years, the effect of seaweed extract on sugarcane has been explored. ...
... The effect of seaweed extract may be related to the cementation of soil aggregates by seaweed polysaccharide substances. Similar results were found by (Moore, 2004) that the adsorption of seaweed extracts by soil particles is common, which may reduce their instant mobility (Ali et al., 2016(Ali et al., , 2020. In addition, seaweed extract contains alginic acid and polyuronides, which improve soil water-holding capacity, crumb structure, aeration and capillary action to stimulate plant root systems, boost soil microbial activity and enhance mineral availability and absorption (Moore, 2004). ...
Seaweed extract is widely used in sustainable agricultural management and can promote sugarcane growth even under low-water availability conditions. However, to date, little information has been gained regarding the role of seaweed extract in regulating sugarcane root configuration and soil physicochemical properties under drought conditions. In this study, the effects of seaweed extract on soil physicochemical properties of sugarcane were studied by soil culture experiments, and the effects of seaweed extract on root architecture of different sugarcane varieties "YT03-393" (drought-sensitive variety) and "cv. ROC22" (drought-resistant variety) were explored by hydroponic experiments. The results revealed that the application of seaweed extract increased the proportion of aggregates > 0.25 mm in the soil and increased the moisture content of the soil under water deficiency conditions. Furthermore, the seaweed extract application increased the activities of urease, sucrase, acid phosphatase, and glucosidase in soil and increased the soil contents of available nutrients such as N, P, and K. Under drought stress, seaweed extract promoted root growth in deeper soil. The proportions of root dry weight and root length density in the soil of 20-40 cm depth increased by 45.0% and 9.8%, and 38.3% and 8.9% in cv. YT03-393 and cv. ROC22, respectively. Additionally, seaweed extract application improved the activities of antioxidant enzymes , including SOD, CAT, and POD, in roots and alleviated the oxidative damage of roots caused by drought stress. It can be concluded that seaweed extract application can improve soil physical structure, promote enzyme activities, and increase the available N, P, and K of the soil. Furthermore, seaweed extract can promote root growth, change root architecture, and improve the water use efficiency of roots, thus improving drought resistance of sugarcane plants.
... ). As noted by other authors(Caruso et al. 2019;Sidhu Murmu and Purnendu Sekhar Bera 2017;Ali et al. 2016), biostimulants made from seaweed extracts and protein hydrolysates increased potassium concentrations, improving the nutritional value of tomato fruits. Calcium content in this study was positively influenced by the application of biostimulants and, in particular, by beet extract and vegetal protein hydrolysate. ...
The use of biostimulants in agriculture provides a sustainable and efficient technology to improve resource‐use efficiency. Biostimulants may boost vegetative growth, enhancing plant tolerance to biotic and abiotic stress. The tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) is sensitive to drought stress, particularly during fruit setting and fruit development stages. In Italy, long‐storage tomato genotypes characterised by drought resistance were selected. In this 2‐year study, the foliar application of different biostimulants (betaine, seaweed extracts, vegetal protein hydrolysate and animal protein hydrolysate) was evaluated to determine effects on yield and quality of a local tomato landrace (Pizzutello) cultivated in Sicily without irrigation. The highest dry matter (9.9%) and solid soluble content (6.9° Brix) were observed in plants treated with betaine. Plants treated with A. nodosum or animal protein hydrolysate showed the highest potassium concentrations, whereas those supplied with vegetal protein hydrolysate had the highest calcium concentrations. Tomato treated with betaine were found to have the highest nitrate concentrations. The highest marketable yield (13.8 t ha⁻¹) was recorded in plants treated with vegetal protein hydrolysate, with an increase of 17.4% compared to the control plants. The highest unmarketable yield was observed in control plants and in those treated with betaine (1.1 t ha‐1). In conclusion, we can say that each biostimulant had a different effect on the different parameters analysed. Overall, the application of biostimulants has improved tomato growth, productivity and quality in limited water conditions. Our results highlight the potential of biostimulant applications to optimise both the yield and fruit quality of renowned local varieties. This study demonstrated the improvement in the agronomic performance of the Pizzutello tomato, which is particularly significant not only in response to the growing consumer demand for high‐quality traditional tomatoes, but also for the enhancement of the technological traits valued by the food industry.
... La producción de cultivos es un proceso directamente relacionado con la nutrición vegetal y la fertilidad de los suelos (Alaşalvar & Çam, 2020). En la actualidad, la agricultura moderna propone alternativas de nutrición eficientes, basadas en la aplicación de biofertilizantes como una opción de fertilización edáfica complementaria, que ayuden a incrementar la producción y reducir la aplicación de fertilizantes químicos (Ali et al., 2015). Los biofertilizantes son insumos naturales (abonos orgánicos, compostas, biosólidos y microorganismos) que mejoran la absorción de nutrientes de la rizosfera, producen estimulantes de crecimiento para las plantas, mejoran la estabilidad del suelo, biodegradan sustancias, reciclan nutrientes y favorecen la sinergia microbiana, entre otros (Alaşalvar & Çam, 2020). ...
La especie Mentha spicata L. es de los cultivos de mayor importancia en México,
sin embargo, existe poca información sobre el uso de biofertilizantes que ofrezcan
una solución para mejorar el rendimiento en los cultivos sin dañar al medio
ambiente. En ese sentido, se llevó a cabo la presente investigación en la Escuela
de Estudios Superiores de Xalostoc, Ayala, Morelos, cuyo objetivo principal fue
determinar el efecto de la fertilización biológica y química en la producción del
cultivo. El experimento incluyó como tratamientos dos niveles (50 % y 100 %) de
fertilización química (FQ, nitrofoska), dos fuentes biológicas (Ascophyllum nodosum
y Azospirillum brasilense) y un testigo. Por lo que el diseño experimental
empleado consistió en bloques completos al azar con cinco tratamientos y tres
repeticiones; de lo anterior, las variables evaluadas fueron altura de planta (AP),
diámetro del tallo (DT), peso fresco (PFP) y seco de la planta (PSP). Al finalizar,
los resultados mostraron que la mayor AP y PSP se registró con la FQ (100 %) +
A. brasilense; en cuanto al PFP y DT, la mejor respuesta fue con la FQ (100 %) +A. nodosum. Se concluye que la biofertilización, como complemento de fertilización
edáfica, fue de impacto en la producción del cultivo.
... A alga marrom Ascophyllum nodosum é frequentemente empregada na fabricação de bioestimulantes. Nesse contexto, o extrato proveniente dessa alga, conhecido como AN-SWE (Ascophyllum nodosum Seaweed Extract), destacase como um dos bioestimulantes à base de algas marinhas mais extensivamente utilizados e pesquisados no cenário atual (Ali et al., 2016). Essa popularidade se deve ao seu histórico comprovado de resultados positivos no incremento da produtividade das culturas (Ali et al., 2022). ...
A aplicação de fitohormônios crescimento é uma técnica com potencial de atuar em diversas características que influenciam, de forma positiva, o crescimento e desenvolvimento da cultura da soja, diante de alterações de alterando fenômenos físico-químicos e metabólicos, ocasionando em um melhor desenvolvimento vegetal. Nessa proposta, o presente trabalho objetivou avaliar via pulverização foliar e tratamento de sementes, a eficiência de uma formulação de promotor de crescimento em diferentes doses na cultura da soja, visando produtividade. O experimento foi conduzido na área experimental do CETAPAR, situado no Paraguai, nas safras 2018/2019, 2019, 2019/2020 e 2020, em delineamento experimental de blocos ao acaso, com quatro repetições e sete tratamentos. Os tratamentos comparados são os principais fitohormônios comercializados registrados no Paraguai. Resultados desse estudo mostrou que foi efetivo o uso da formulação em relação a produtividade de grãos de soja, porém houve melhor resposta na aplicação foliar (V4 + R1) comparado à tratamento de sementes. A dose com melhor eficácia via aplicação foliar é de 250 mL.ha-1, para tratamento de semente, dosagem de 250 mL/100 kg e na utilização conjunta, de 250 mL/100 kg de semente + 250 mL.ha-1 na etapa fenológica V4, onde obteve maiores produtividades.
... However, the concentration of plant extracts also significantly impacts their effectiveness, as excessively high concentrations may negatively affect plant growth and development. A study has reported that foliar spraying with concentrations less than or equal to 0.05% v/v of the extract is optimal for crops by enhancing disease control and improving yields [25]. The superior performance of foliar application is attributed to direct interaction with plant tissues, as foliar absorption occurs most immediately. ...
It is imperative to enhance crop yield to meet the demands of a burgeoning global population while simultaneously safeguarding the environment from adverse impacts, which is one of the dominant challenges confronting humanity in this phase of global climate change. To overcome this problem and reduce dependency on chemical fertilizer, scientists now view the implementation of biostimulant strategies as a cost-effective and environmentally friendly approach to achieving sustainable agriculture. Plant extracts are rich in bioactive phytocompounds, which can enhance plant resistance to disease, pest, and abiotic stresses (e.g., drought, salinity, and extreme temperature), and promote plant growth and productivity. Furthermore, the application of plant extracts through soil drenching can also significantly change the rhizosphere soil microbiome, and indirectly interact with plants, eventually stabilizing plant growth. Currently, the application of plant extracts as a whole is effective, which emphasizes the contribution of complex interactions between multiple compounds, with seaweed extracts being the most widely studied and utilized. Interestingly, plant extracts are compatible with fertilizer and can be applied in conjunction with nutrient inputs to further enhance their effectiveness. Given all this knowledge, exploring the growth and functional effects induced by plant extracts, as well as understanding their interactions and mechanisms in plants, is crucial for developing advantageous approaches with potential value in integrated crop management systems, ultimately contributing to sustainable production.
... The difference in the timing of these effects between the two application methods can be attributed to several factors. Previous research has indicated that foliar application typically yields faster results than soil application, which may account for the disparity in the observed timing of effects (Ali et al. 2016;. Moreover, the specific environmental conditions of the study area, characterized by exceedingly high temperatures and persistent drought, along with the age of the palm trees involved in the experiment, can also impact the speed and mechanisms of nutrient absorption, leading to a slower process. ...
This study, conducted during the 2022 and 2023 seasons in Tinjdad, Morocco, assessed the effectiveness of three seaweed extracts—Ecklonia maxima, Ascophyllum nodosum, and Gelidium sequipedale—on the yield and quality of Majhoul cultivar dates grown on a certified organic farm. The Ecklonia maxima and Ascophyllum nodosum extracts were obtained from certified organic commercial products, P1® and P2® respectively, while the Gelidium sequipedale extract came from a fermented liquid developed in the laboratory. The experiment included an untreated control group and six treatment groups using extracts at concentrations of 1% and 2% for E. maxima and A. nodosum, applied via foliar spray, and 5% and 10% for G. sequipedale, incorporated into the soil.
Results demonstrated significant effects from all treatments compared to the control group, particularly at higher concentrations. Assessed parameters included yield per palm, date weight, length, and width, as well as content of soluble sugars, reducing and non-reducing sugars, polyphenols, flavonoids, tannins, ash, and antioxidant activity (DPPH and FRAP). In 2023, the application of 2% extracts from seaweed species A. nodosum and E. maxima led to significant improvements over the control group, affecting various parameters: yield per palm increased by 4.97% and 3.72% respectively, date weight by 36.36% and 31.82%, length of dates by 15.70% and 13.95%, dry matter by 23.84% and 19.76%, content of soluble sugars by 6.09% and 5.32%, reducing sugars by 6.49% and 5.63%, ash content by 11.01% and 10.55%, polyphenols by 5.12% and 3.80%, and tannins remained consistent at an increase of 2.48% for both. Additionally, the treatments exhibited significant enhancements in antioxidant activity; the application of 2% Ecklonia maxima led to improvements of 12.20% in DPPH inhibition and 7.53% in FRAP values. Similarly, the 2% Ascophyllum nodosum extract demonstrated significant enhancements, with a 14.32% increase in DPPH inhibition and an 8.70% increase in FRAP values, highlighting the potent antioxidant properties of these seaweed extracts.
The use of 10% fermented G. sequipedale liquid also demonstrated significant improvements in the second year of the study, achieving an increase in yield per palm of 4.06%, date length of 9.59%, date weight of 18.84%, dry matter of 14.7%, soluble sugar content of 5.39%, reducing sugars of 5.60%, polyphenols of 2.33%, and tannins of 1.98% over the control group. Furthermore, this treatment showed significant enhancements in antioxidant activity, with a 10.08% improvement in DPPH inhibition and a 5.75% increase in FRAP values compared to the control.
These findings highlight the significant potential of selected seaweed extracts to enhance the production and quality of Majhoul cultivar dates, particularly positioning the Gelidium sequipedale extract, a marine algae species abundant in Morocco, as a promising alternative for organic and sustainable agricultural practices capable of replacing chemical stimulants in arid oasis regions.
... Furthermore, Deshmukh and Phonde [8] demonstrated that applying SEs to sugarcane leaves increased yield by 14.1%, and Karthikeyan and Shanmugan [9] confirmed that spraying sugarcane three times with SEs could increase yield by 20.47 to 28.79%. Additionally, this study's findings concur with those of studies conducted on various crops, such as tomatoes, maize, and strawberries [28][29][30]. Arioli et al. [14] discovered that seaweed extracts enhanced plant growth, which was attributed to a combination of active compounds. These substances can either have a direct effect on the plant or influence the regulation of genes. ...
This study was conducted at El-Sabahia Research Station (latitude 31°12′ N, longitude 29°58′ E) in Alexandria, Egypt to evaluate the effect of Spirulina platensis algae extract on the growth, yield, and juice quality of four sugarcane genotypes during the 2020/2021 and 2021/2022 seasons. The sugarcane genotypes tested (G.T. 54-9, G. 2003-47, G. 84-47, and G. 2004-27) were treated with four concentrations (0, 0.1, 0.2, and 0.3%) of spirulina algae extract (SE) during their development as plant cane and first ratoon crops. At harvest, the growth, physiological, and juice quality characteristics were documented, while relative chlorophyll content was measured 210 days after sowing. Spraying canes with 0.2% of SE was the most effective treatment in enhancing all of the evaluated characteristics compared to those left without SE. Cane yield was more closely correlated with stalk weight (r = 0.88), followed by leaf area index (r = 0.82), relative chlorophyll content (r = 0.82), stalk length (r = 0.76), and number of tillers (r = 0.73), while recoverable sugar yield was closely correlated (p < 0.01) with sugar content % (r = 0.76).
... Furthermore, Deshmukh and Phonde [8] demonstrated that applying SEs to sugarcane leaves increased yield by 14.1%, and Karthikeyan and Shanmugan [9] confirmed that spraying sugarcane three times with SEs could increase yield by 20.47 to 28.79 %. Additionally, this study's' findings concur with those of studies conducted on various crops, such as tomatoes, maize, and strawberries [28][29][30]. Arioli et al. [14] discovered that seaweed extracts enhanced plant growth, which was attributed to a combination of active compounds. These substances can either have a direct effect on the plant or influence the regulation of genes. ...
The study was conducted at El-Sabahia Research Station (latitude 31°12'N, longitude 29°58'E), Alexandria, Egypt, to evaluate the effect of Spirulina platensis algae extract on the growth, yield, and juice quality of four sugarcane genotypes during the 2020/2021 and 2021/2022 seasons. The sugarcane genotypes tested (G.T. 54-9, G. 2003-47, G. 84-47, and G. 2004-27) were treated with four concentrations (0, 0.1, 0.2, and 0.3%) of Spirulina algae extract (SE) during their development as plant cane and first ratoon crops. At harvest, the growth, physiological, and juice quality characteristics were documented, while chlorophyll content was measured 210 days after sowing. Spraying canes with 0.2% of SE was the most effective treatment in enhancing all of the evaluated characteristics compared to those left without SE. Cane yield was more closely correlated with stalk weight (r = 0.88), followed by leaf area index (r = 0.82), chlorophyll content (r = 0.82), stalk length (r = 0.76), and number of tillers (r = 0.73), while recoverable sugar yield was closely correlated (P < 0.01) with sugar content% (r = 0.76).
... Due to the presence of these major plant nutrients and trace elements, ASE enhances photosynthetic rate and stimulates plant growth in addition to eliciting defense responses (Crouch and van Staden 1993;Ali et al. 2019). Ali et al. (2016a) noted a clear increase in plant growth and fruit yield/quality of tomato with a noticeable reduction in damage caused by fungal pathogens in response to ASE supplementation. Foliar or soil application of ASE has been reported to significantly reduce soil-borne and foliar diseases in carrot (Daucus carota L.), cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.), and tomato (Jayaraj et al. 2008(Jayaraj et al. , 2011Ali et al. 2016b). ...
Drought is a crucial abiotic stress having a devastating effect on crops, including tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum L.). Exogenous application of plant biostimulants and essential/beneficial nutrients is an efficient method for increasing plant tolerance and maintaining productivity under drought stress. Individual soil application of the commercial Ascophyllum nodosum seaweed extract (ASE) and potassium (K) has been widely used in alleviating drought stress in many crops. However, little information has been gained regarding the role of the integrated application of ASE and K in mitigating detrimental effects of drought stress. This study examines the combined effect of ASE and K on tomato plants on growth, fruit yield and quality, and water productivity (fruit yield [kg] per volume of water input [m³] throughout the growing season) under drought stress conditions. The commercial formulation of ASE was incorporated in five doses (0 [control], 1.25, 2.5, 3.75, and 5 mL L–1) along with a uniform dose of K (100 kg K2O ha–1) under three different soil water contents (50%, 75%, and 100% field capacity [FC]). Control plants did not receive any application of ASE or K; K applied at the same dose (100 kg K2O ha–1) without ASE was also included as a treatment. Poor vegetative growth, fruit yield, and physiological responses were observed with decreasing soil water content irrespective of ASE doses. Leaf area, root dry matter, fruit yield, water productivity, and membrane stability index were reduced from 26–55%, 42–58%, 53–72%, 27–48%, and 37–57%, respectively, at the lowest soil water content (50% FC) compared with 100% FC across ASE doses. Reducing soil water content to 50% FC triggered up to a 50% increase in fruit firmness and 33–67% increase in electrolyte leakage than those at 100% FC across ASE doses. Application of ASE in combination with K was effective at all doses with the highest dose of 5 mL L–1 producing up to 266% increased fruit yield, up to178% higher water productivity, up to 60% higher leaf relative water content, and up to 125% higher membrane stability index across all three soil water contents. The same dose reduced electrolyte leakage of plants by up to 48% across three soil water contents. The sole application of K resulted in a significant improvement in growth, fruit yield, and physiological traits of tomato plants. Fruit yield of plants grown with ASE (5 mL L–1) and K (100 kg K2O ha–1) at 50% FC was statistically similar to fruit yield of the control plants at 100% FC. Water productivity was even higher for the same treatment combinations. The same was also largely true for other growth and physiological parameters, highlighting the benefits of the integrated application of ASE and K in mitigating drought stress effects on tomato plants. An integrated program comprising ASE (5 mL L–1) and K (100 kg K2O ha–1) may constitute a potential beneficial strategy for tomato cultivation in water-scarce areas due to their synergistic response against drought stress.
... Many commercial bio-stimulants contain the extracts of A. nodosum, which has been shown to considerably increase crop production, biometric traits, quality and it also imparts tolerance against various abiotic stresses (Ali et al., 2016;Shukla et al., 2019;Goni et al., 2018). Many researchers have reported that SW extracts (biostimulants) promoted growth, increased yield and quality of vegetables crops such as cucumber (Sarhan et al., 2011), tomato (Kumari et al., 2009), broccoli (Mattner et al., 2013), spinach (Xu and Leskovar, 2015) and bean (Beckett et al., 1994). ...
Recently, hydroponic system for vegetable production is very popular across the globe. In a hydroponic system selection of suitable growing substrate is an important factor as it directly involved in development of plant roots and shoots. As well as nutrition solution has a great effect on high crop production along with crop quality. Thus, an experiment was carried out within the controlled environment of a glasshouse consisting with the four different compositions of growing substrates i.e., GM1 = 60% rice husk + 30% coconut coir + 10% vermicompost, GM2 = 60% coconut coir + 30% perlite + 10% vermicompost, GM3 = 60% sawdust + 30% perlite + 10% vermicompost, and GM4 = 60% ash + 30% perlite + 10% vermicompost along with three levels of bio-stimulant (Ascophyllum nodusum) solutions (Bs1 =1ml/l, Bs 2 = 2ml/l, and Bs 3 =3ml/l). In the experiment amongst the different growing substrate, the substrates with 60% coconut coir, 30% perlite and 10% vermicompost (GM2) exhibits best performance on the growth (Number branches per plant), yield (Fruits number, length, girth, weight, Number of seeds per fruit). In case of quality parameters (Ascorbic acid, total carotenoids, protein, TSS and reducing sugars were also found in higher site with the substrates of 60% coconut coir + 30% perlite + 10% vermicompost. The application of bio-stimulants was also found to be ideal for increasing the fruit number and fruit weight, respectively. The highest fruit weight of 176.49gm was obtained from the treatment with the combination of GM2 and BS1.
... Various authors noted a considerable improvement in yield attributes of many crop species, such as lima beans (Phaseolus lunatus L.) [45], tomato, and sweet pepper [24], following ANE application, similar to the results observed in this study. These results also coincide with those of Ali et al. [46], who noted that foliar ANE application improved the total fruit yield and fruit mass of the tomato. Similarly, a significant increase in total tuber yield following foliar ANE application was observed by Haider et al. [9]; our results confirm the findings of these authors. ...
The current reliance on pesticides and synthetic fertilizers has been vital to sustain and increase agricultural production. The continuous, excessive use of these traditional practices has negatively affected consumer health and burdened the ecosystem. The use of plant extracts as a tool to minimize agrochemical inputs has been extensively investigated; these extracts have the ability to improve both plant growth and agricultural productivity. Therefore, this study was conducted to determine the effect of foliar plant extract application on potato growth, as well as on certain physiological and yield attributes. From four weeks after planting onwards, five healthy, equal-sized potato plants per treatment received various foliar plant extract applications. These extracts included brown seaweed Ascophyllum nodosum extract (ANE), aloe vera leaf extract (AVE), garlic bulb extract (GBE), and moringa leaf extract (MLE). The treatments were repeated weekly until harvesting. Application data regarding growth and physiological parameters were collected weekly. The pre-harvest foliar application of various plant extracts significantly enhanced (p ≤ 0.05) the plant growth, physiological, and yield attributes of potatoes. The best growth and yield responses were observed following ANE and MLE application. Plant extracts have shown beneficial effects on other crops as well, but further validation of these effects is still necessary in order to popularize and commercialize such applications.
... Chlorophyll content was reduced under water deficit as seen previously in tomato (Nankishore and Farrell 2016), but in SWE-treated plants it was significantly higher in all water regimes. An increase in chlorophyll content with SWE has been observed in other studies with tomato (Mansori et al. 2015;Ali et al. 2016Ali et al. , 2019. The elevated chlorophyll content has been attributed to the betaines present in seaweed extracts and similar increases were observed in Phaseolus vulgaris, Triticum aestivum, and Hordeum vulgare (Blunden et al. 1996;Khan et al. 2009), which leads to better recovery of plants under water stress (Goñi et al. 2018). ...
Abiotic stress, especially drought, is one of the principal constraints of crop productivity and is expected to worsen with climate change in the near future. This warrants the development of new technologies to decrease the impact of drought on crop productivity. Biostimulants made from seaweed extracts are one of the relatively new biological based inputs that can help mitigate the negative effects of abiotic stress on plants by enhancing growth, development, and stress tolerance. The current study evaluated the impact of Ascophyllum nodosum extract (SWE) on tomato plants grown under different levels of water stress. Greenhouse studies were conducted to assess the effect of foliar spray (0.5%) of the extract on stomatal conduct-ance, photosynthesis, chlorophyll content, and biomass, for plants grown at moisture levels of 100%, 50%, and 25% of field capacity. A field study was also conducted with irrigation maintained at 100% and 25% (irrigation capacity). Additionally, the expression levels of marker genes associated with drought tolerance were evaluated using qPCR studies for Metacaspase 1 (LeMCA1), Non-specific lipid-transfer protein 2 (Itpg2), Late embryogenesis abundant protein (LEA) and Delta 1-pyrro-line-5-carboxylate synthetase (P5CS) genes. Assays were also conducted on plants for osmolyte content including proline and glycine betaine. Furthermore, the activities of antioxidant defense enzymes were evaluated for superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), peroxidase (POX), ascorbate peroxidase (APX) and guaiacol peroxidase (GPX). The results of the greenhouse study indicated higher stomatal conductance, chlorophyll content, and F v /F m in stressed plants that were foliar sprayed with the A. nodosum extract. Seaweed extract-treated plants under water-stress conditions also had significantly greater shoot and root dry weights compared to control plants. The relative expression levels of the marker genes were also significantly increased in SWE sprayed plants compared to control plants along with increased antioxidant enzymes activities and osmolyte contents. The field experiments revealed that seaweed extract-treated plants had significantly higher plant height and total yield under reduced irrigation compared to control plants, although both parameters remained lower than those seen under full irrigation. This study has produced encouraging findings on the application of SWE in crop systems, indicating that it may have a positive role in mitigating the effects of drought stress.
... Some studies have reported foliar application to be more effective since foliar absorption occurs almost instantly and particle mobility is not inhibited by adsorption to soil particles [34]. Although other studies report equal effectiveness for both types of applications [35]. ...
In Europe, the intensity and frequency of flooding events are expected to increase due to climate change, adding additional challenges to agricultural production and creating the need for new plant products and adaptation tools. Cabbage is one economically important vegetable that is likely to be affected by increased flooding in Europe. This review investigates the potential of biostimulant applications based on algae extracts, amino acids, microorganisms, and nano-CaCO3 to assist cabbage plants subjected to waterlogged conditions. The overall findings from the studies reviewed indicate that these biostimulants could aid plants suffering from anoxic stress due to waterlogging through their ability to improve nutrient availability and plant nutrient status, modulate phytohormones and phytohormone signalling, increase compatible solutes, and enhance the antioxidant system. The effect of biostimulants is influenced by multiple factors; therefore, field studies are required to determine the most valuable biostimulant combination and application dose, type, and timing for cabbage, as well as any economic benefits that could arise. More precise information would benefit food producers by providing them with additional adaptation tools to use in a changing climate as well as natural products that are compatible with the agriculture sector’s transition to more sustainable and ecological management.
... The science supporting the plant benefits of SWE applications is extensive and convincing, and founded on studies using a broad range of extracts made from different types of seaweeds and extraction processes (Shukla et al. 2019(Shukla et al. , 2021Ali et al. 2021;Deolu-Ajayi et al. 2022;Jindo et al. 2022). Many plant studies have demonstrated that SWE promote plant growth such as root growth, flowering, fruit set, and leaf growth (Rayorath et al. 2008;Mattner et al. 2013;Ali et al. 2016Ali et al. , 2022Renaut et al. 2019;Yao et al. 2020;Hussain et al. 2021). Research using crop and model plants have demonstrated that SWE can improve plant tolerance to abiotic stresses such as salt, drought, freezing, and heat (Nair et al. 2012;Martynenko et al. 2016;Santaniello et al. 2017;Goñi et al. 2018;Jithesh et al. 2019;Cocetta et al. 2022;Repke et al. 2022), and improve nutrient uptake -for example, in crop plants such as tomato and Brassica (Jannin et al. 2013;Yao et al. 2020). ...
Society depends on food production. However, agricultural productivity is greatly challenged by extreme climate events and volatility. Seaweed extracts (SWE) have a key role in food production and their use is central to improving agricultural productivity by increasing crop tolerance to stress, improving the efficiency of plant nutrient use, and by contributing to sustainable farm practices. The benefits of SWE to crops have previously been reviewed in the context of the northern hemisphere, but not since 2015 in Australia – specific to its crops and unique stressors. This review is focused on the scientific progress since 2015 and insights from Australian research related to: (i) SWE-stimulated plant responses, (ii) field research on SWE, (iii) optimising the use of SWE in agriculture. The review considers the effects of SWE (made from Durvillaea potatorum and Ascophyllum nodosum) in the field, across crops, seasons, regions, and farming systems in Australia, and research conducted in the laboratory under controlled conditions on model and crop plants at the molecular, cellular, and physiological levels. The results from the review highlight the role of SWE in plant priming responses in laboratory experiments and its association with improved plant tolerance in the field. The review discusses the field effects related to production and fruit quality. The uniqueness of the Australian research is the inclusion of the same SWE in laboratory and field research, and the characterisation of plant responses under challenged and un-challenged conditions. This information provides deeper insights into the actions of SWE and enables growers and agronomists to optimize their field application in Australian agriculture.
... The present study investigated the impact of applying extracts derived from C. vulgaris and D. salina to common bean plants under salinity stress. In another experiment, an extract of A. nodosum was applied to plants in greenhouse experiments conducted within tropical growing conditions [50,51]. The application of this algal extract led to notable results, including the elongation of bean roots and an increase in their levels of essential nutrients, such as potassium, nitrogen, phosphorus, calcium, and magnesium. ...
Salinity adversely affects the plant’s morphological characteristics, but the utilization of aqueous algal extracts (AE) ameliorates this negative impact. In this study, the application of AE derived from Chlorella vulgaris and Dunaliella salina strains effectively reversed the decline in biomass allocation and water relations, both in normal and salt-stressed conditions. The simultaneous application of both extracts in salt-affected soil notably enhanced key parameters, such as chlorophyll content (15%), carotene content (1%), photosynthesis (25%), stomatal conductance (7%), and transpiration rate (23%), surpassing those observed in the application of both AE in salt-affected as compared to salinity stress control. Moreover, the AE treatments effectively mitigated lipid peroxidation and electrolyte leakage induced by salinity stress. The application of AE led to an increase in GB (6%) and the total concentration of free amino acids (47%) by comparing with salt-affected control. Additionally, salinity stress resulted in an elevation of antioxidant enzyme activities, including superoxide dismutase, ascorbate peroxidase, catalase, and glutathione reductase. Notably, the AE treatments significantly boosted the activity of these antioxidant enzymes under salinity conditions. Furthermore, salinity reduced mineral contents, but the application of AE effectively counteracted this decline, leading to increased mineral levels. In conclusion, the application of aqueous algal extracts, specifically those obtained from Chlorella vulgaris and Du-naliella salina strains, demonstrated significant efficacy in alleviating salinity-induced stress in Phaseolus vulgaris plants.
... There currently exists an extensive accumulation of research around the benefits of seaweed extracts in applications on various food crops, and a thoroughly researched overview on this topic by Stirk et al. (2020) offers considerable insight regarding the progress to date. Seaweeds and their extracts have been shown to enhance crop yield and quality (Abdel-Mawgoud et al., 2010;Ali et al., 2016;Karthikeyan & Shanmugam, 2017), fruit set (Ali et al., 2021), growth performance (Graziani et al., 2022), drought resistance (Irani et al., 2021), shelf-life (Miceli et al., 2021), pest resistance (Borlongan et al., 2011), soil microbial health (Trivedi et al., 2021), and stress resistance in plants, naturally (Van Oosten et al., 2017). While there are environmental and financial processing costs associated with the production of macroalgal extracts, careful research is necessary to ensure the anticipated trade-offs are positive. ...
It is generally understood that a fully integrated and global approach is essential in order to meet the future demands of world food production under the conditions of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set forth in the 2015 Paris Agreement (https://unfccc.int/process-and- meetings/the-paris-agreement/the-paris-agreement). “Under the conditions” means, in part, that the negative environ- mental footprint widely attributed to current agricultural production practices, the primary source of our food sup- ply, must be minimized. Yet, we need to produce almost 50% more good-quality sustenance by the year 2050. More than 10 millennia of agricultural development have evolved into numerous massive, intensively managed operations, often corporately owned and endorsed, and typically based upon unsustainable, GHG-emitting activities, agro- chemical inputs, deforestation, extensive potable water use, and fossil fuel consumption (i.e., transportation and crop production). Not only will the world require more food in the future, but the health and wellness of all in- dividuals must also be considered and met accordingly. A significant challenge indeed! Obviously, the results of the evolving COVID-19 pandemic and, more recently the war between the Russian president, Vladimir Putin, and Ukraine (2022), will have enormous negative impacts on an already desperate situation for so many. Statistics
... Foliar spray Foliar spray+Fertigation because it can increase vegetative growth and yield in crops such as cereals, leafy vegetables, cucumber, tomato, and pepper (Ali et al., 2016;Rouphael et al., 2018;Trejo Valencia et al., 2018;Ashour et al., 2020). The trend of cucumber production in the future is organic cucumber production because it has high consumer demand. ...
The purpose of this experiment was to compare the growth and quality of cucumber fruits, in response to different concentrations (C0, C0.75, and C1.5 g L-1) and different application methods (M1: foliar sprays, M2: fertigation, M3: combined foliar sprays and fertigation) of seaweed extract (SwE). The simultaneous use of the method and different concentration of SwE increased the fresh weight of the leaf, fruit weight, yield, number of leaves, evaporation, fruit length, fruit diameter and firmness, stomatal conductance, and nitrate concentration of fruit. On the other hand, the highest amount of fruit firmness (69.25 and 69.27 N) was observed in M2C0.75 and M2C1.5 compared to other treatments, respectively. The M1C0.75 treatment increased the fruit diameter by 26.52% more than the M1C0 treatment. Fruit weight, fruit length, and yield were in the following order in different treatments, M1C1.5˃ M1C0.75 ˃ M3C1.5. So that only in the M1C1.5 treatment, fruit weight, yield, and fruit length were 25, 52.55, and 25.86% higher than the M1C0 treatment, respectively. Generally, the M1 and M3 in concentrations of 0.75 and 1.5 created better plant growth, fruit shape, and quality characteristics compared to the second method (M2) and the C0 treatment. Therefore, the concentration of 1.5 g L-1 and the use of foliar spraying methods, and the combination of foliar spraying and fertigation can be recommended to achieve the maximum yield and quality of cucumber fruits.
... Seaweed extracts, which have been demonstrated to exhibit both phytostimulatory and phytoelicitor qualities, are a prospective source of biostimulants (Ramkissoon et al., 2017;Rayorath et al., 2008). Although extracts from a number of marine algae species have been shown to have potential as plant biostimulants, Ascophyllum nodosum, brown seaweed, is the most significant species used internationally for commercial extraction (Ali et al., 2016;Jayaraj et al., 2008). Inducible defense systems allow plants to fend off a wide range of pathogens, but they are only activated in response to specific signaling molecules released by pathogens or by plants subjected to environmental challenges. ...
Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench, more often known as okra, is a popular and widely consumed vegetable that belongs to the Malvaceae family. It is rich in a variety of essential nutrients, including carbohydrates, proteins, and vitamins. The okra yellow vein mosaic disease (OYVMD) is one of numerous biotic and abiotic variables that pose a danger to okra productivity. In order to investigate the impact of amino acid treatments and algal extracts on inducing systemic resistance in okra against the Okra yellow vein mosaic virus, an experiment was carried out in the fields in the western areas of Samawa City-Muthanna Governorate, Iraq (OYVMV). Research on the impact of the virus found that amino acid and algal extract treatments were most effective, leading to the fewest number of infected okra plants. Peroxidase enzyme, superoxide dismutase, and catalase levels were highest in those who received a combination of amino acids and algal extract. The duration of 14 days was also longer than the spans of 7 and 21 days. While amino acid and algal extract therapy for 21 days had the highest total phenolic concentration, it also had the most negative effects.
... The current findings were consistent with the findings made by Sridhar and Rengasamy (2010) and Ibrihem (2015) who used seaweed extract to treat Tagetes erecta L. and Calendula officinalis L., respectively, with effective results in terms of plant height and leaf number. Corm dipping along with foliar spray treatment operates better in saffron plants with immediate mobility of phytohormones and nutrients because of their direct engagement with plant tissues and fast absorption rate through the foliar application, along with the adsorption by soil particles through corm dipping (Ali et al., 2016;Ali et al., 2021a). A significantly higher dry weight of leaf, stem, root, and corms of saffron was also observed in our study with the application of the seaweed extract ( Figure 3). ...
The usage of seaweed extracts in cropping systems is gaining attention nowadays due to their distinct bioactive properties. This study aims to assess how saffron (Crocus sativus L.) corm production was affected by seaweed extract through different application modes. The study was conducted at the CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology, Palampur, HP, India, during the autumn-winter agricultural cycle. Five treatments using a combination of Kappaphycus and Sargassum seaweed extracts were replicated five times in a randomized block design. Treatments that were examined include T1: Control, T2: Corm dipping @ 5% seaweed extract, T3: Foliar spray @ 5% seaweed extract, T4: Drenching @ 5% seaweed extract, and T5: Corm dipping + foliar spray @ 5% seaweed extract. Seaweed extract, when applied to saffron plants (T5: Corm dipping + foliar spray @ 5% seaweed extract) resulted in significantly higher growth parameters along with the higher dry weight of stem, leaves, corms, and total roots per corm. Corm production, viz., the number of daughter corms and corm weight per m² was significantly affected by seaweed extract application, with the maximum value recorded with treatment T5. Biochemical parameters chlorophyll, carotenoids, and photosynthetic rate were higher in T5, while nutrient concentration was lowest in this treatment. Seaweed extracts improved corm production, making it a feasible alternative to limiting the application of conventional fertilizers, attenuating the effects on the environment, and enhancing corm number and weight.
Biostimulants and plant growth regulators play an increasingly important role in modern horticultural crop production to enhance yield, quality, and resilience. This chapter provides an in-depth review of the current state of research and application of these substances in fruit, vegetable, and flower production globally, in Asia, and in India. Key biostimulants covered include seaweed extracts, humic substances, protein hydrolysates, and beneficial microbes. Major plant growth regulators discussed are auxins, cytokinins, gibberellins, ethylene, abscisic acid, and brassinosteroids. Their modes of action, effects on crops, and best practices for use based on the latest scientific literature are examined. The worldwide biostimulant market is rapidly growing and projected to reach over $5 billion by 2025, with Asia-Pacific being the fastest growing region. India's biostimulant market is still nascent but expanding. Integration of biostimulants and plant growth regulators into horticultural production systems offers significant opportunities to improve productivity and sustainability but also poses challenges in terms of product quality, regulation, and technology transfer. Directions for future research to address these challenges are explored.
A pot experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of seaweed, amino acid and nutrient solution on growth and physiological performance of Sudan grass growing under salinity stress. The experiment consisted of different levels of salinity stress 0 mM, 50 mM, 100 mM, 150 mM, 200 mM, and 250 mM and exogenous application of seaweed extract, amino acids and nutrients; control, soil application of seaweed extract, amino acids and nutrients and foliar application of seaweed extract, amino acids and nutrients. Soil application of seaweed, amino acid and nutrient solution was found best in ameliorating the toxic effect of salinity on root length, shoot fresh weight, root fresh weight, number of leaves, number of roots, number of tillers, leaf area, leaf width, leaf length, shoot dry weight and root dry weight. The same treatment also significantly improved in chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, total chlorophyll, carotenoids, proline, phosphate and sulphate contents. On the other hand, foliar spray of seaweed extract, amino acids and nutrients resulted in maximum phenolics, flavonoids, nitrates, shoot potassium and Akbar et al.: Ameliorating the toxic impacts of salinity on Sudan grass by exogenous application of seaweed extract, amino acids and nutrients-1698-APPLIED ECOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 22(2):1697-1710. calcium as compared to control. Hence, soil application of seaweed, amino acids and nutrient solution was found effective in mitigating salinity impacts.
Seaweed extract-derived biostimulants (i.e., phyco[bio]stimulants—PBSs) have been reported previously as effective organic ingredients in the agricultural and horticultural industries for several decades. However, their commercial applications to large-scale seaweed cultivation (phyconomy) are still in their nascent stage, although several experimental studies have been reported since 2009. Among the PBS, the brown alga Ascophyllum nodosum has perhaps been studied the most extensively (and may even be overrepresented) compared to other brown seaweed extracts, e.g., Durvillaea spp., Ecklonia spp., Macrocystis spp., Laminaria/Saccharina spp., and Sargassum spp. In this chapter, applications of the PBS Ascophyllum Marine Plant Extract Powder (AMPEP) are discussed at different phyconomic stages, such as micropropagation, land-sea-based nursery, sea cultivation to include mitigation of pests and diseases, and semi-refined carrageenan quality, of several seaweeds, with a focus on members of the eucheumatoids.
Recognizing the potential role of seaweed in improving saffron yield and the utilization of micronutrient elements like Ca, Mg, Fe, and Mn to enhance stigma yield, an experiment was conducted. The study investigated the impact of foliar spraying of seaweed extract and selected nutritional elements on saffron's quantitative and qualitative traits of saffron.This research was conducted, as factorial based on a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with four replications during 2021-2022 in Neishabur, Iran. The first factor consisted of seaweed extract (0 and 2 L.ha-1) and the second factor consisted of foliar application of nutrients including no foliar application (as control), and the defender of some elements including iron (1.5 L.ha-1 containing Fe, N, and amino acids), zinc, boron (1 L.ha-1 containing B and amino acids), manganese (1.5 L.ha-1 containing Mn, Zn and S), magnesium and calcium (2 L.ha-1 containing Ca and N). The use of all nutrients compared to the control (no-nutrients) and the use of seaweed extract compared to no-seaweed application caused an increase in flower and stigma yields. Based on the interaction effects of the experimental factors, the highest number of flowers (68.8 No.m-2) was obtained in the combined application of manganese and seaweed extract, the highest flower yield (33.5 g.m-2) was gained with the combined application of seaweed and boron, and the highest dry stigma yield (0.48 g.m-2) was obtained from the simultaneous application of magnesium and seaweed extract, which were 63.8, 16.7 and 17.0%, more than the control treatment (no-seaweed & No-nutrients), respectively. Without nutrient application, the utilization of seaweed extract resulted in a notable rise in the Picrocrocin content of the stigma by 15.9%, Crocin by 9.5%, and Safranal by 10.6% compared to the absence of seaweed application.Combined consumption of calcium with seaweed increased the content of Picrocrocin and Crocin, while simultaneous application of other nutrients with seaweed did not improve these indices. The highest and the lowest content of Safranal (37.7 and 32.35 absorption at 330 nm) were obtained from magnesium + no-1-Associate Professor,
The utilization of seaweed extracts (SWE) and a combination of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) has received considerable attention in recent years due to their potential to ameliorate growth and nutrient uptake in diverse vegetable species. To promote sustainable agriculture in oasis ecosystems, particularly for the date palm that serves as a fundamental component of the economic and social development of oases, a study was conducted at a private palm farm in Tamassint, Errachidia province. The study aimed to evaluate the effects of seaweed extracts (SWE) and a combination of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) on the mineral uptake, physiological, and morphological growth parameters of the Bouffegous date palm cultivar. Seven treatments were used, which included SWE: Ascophyllum nodosum at 1% and 2%, SWE: Ecklonia maxima at 1% and 2%, 10g/palm and 20g/palm of a combination of AMF/PGPR, and a control group with no treatment. The results indicated that seaweed extracts enhanced growth rate parameters, nutrient uptake, chlorophyll content, and fluorescence activity in both growing seasons, whereas the AMF + PGPR combination only improved all the measured parameters in the second year of the experiment, except for the number of leaves per palm where no effects were observed during both seasons.
In recent years, scientists have become interested in marine macroalgae, which represent a rich source of bioactive substances. These molecules are characterized by a multitude of forms and structures and have several biological activities. The present study aims to characterize the three brown algae Bifurcaria bifurcata, Cystoseira gibraltarica and Fucus spiralis. These were collected in the region of Cap Ghir north of Agadir. The results obtained show that the mineral analyses of the extracts of F. spiralis, B. bifurcata and C. gibraltarica highlighted the richness of these brown algae in macroelements (Ca, K, P, Na, N). Concerning the total sugar content of C. gibraltarica shows a significant difference with the other two algae B. bifurcata and F. spiralis and has the highest content. For the protein content, no significant difference was recorded between the three algal extracts. Indeed, the aqueous extract of C. gibraltarica has a protein content of 48.44 mg/g DM, the aqueous extract of F. spiralis showed an average protein content of 45.55 mg/g DM, and that of the aqueous extract of B. bifurcata is 44.03 mg/g DM. The three brown algae C. gibraltarica, B. bifurcata and F. spiralis have consistent levels of organic matter. F. spiralis and C. gibraltarica have significantly equivalent organic matter contents (73.74 and 73.44 g/100g DM, respectively). In this study, the analysis of total phenols shows that F. spiralis presents a significant difference with the two other algae and has the highest content (7.2 µg/mg dry matter). In general and whatever the method of flavonoid determination, the flavonoid content of the three algae is significantly different. The methanolic extract of F. spiralis shows the highest flavonoid content, followed by B. bifurcata. While the lowest content is presented with the methanolic extract of C. gibraltarica. The results of the antioxidant potential using DPPH reveal a significant difference between the three algae. Indeed, the extracts of the analyzed algae present an antioxidant activity varying between 33.61 and 88.3%, with a high antioxidant potential (88.3%) for F. spiralis and thus an important capacity to trap the DPPH radical. These three studied brown algae represent a promising source of biologically active molecules that can be used in several fields such as organic agriculture.
Plant parasitic nematodes represent limiting factors for the production of a wide range of crops. Possible alternatives to synthetic nematicides are based on the use of biological and biotechnological procedures, alone or in combination with other control strategies. Evidences of their beneficial effects are found in improved crop protection and agricultural productivity. For the optimal use of beneficial microorganisms, a depth knowledge of the nematode target is strongly needed. Genetic engineering technologies may be applied to improve their biocontrol activity by synergistically overexpressing quite a few characteristics. The most widely investigated approaches ranging from the traditional biocontrol up to molecular breeding are presented in this chapter.
Due to the ever-expanding world population, decreases in the availability of arable land, and developing climate changes, humans and their various livestock are facing an impending food crisis (Valin et al., 2014). Crop production is fundamentally impacted by constraints on growth and development and how these plants cope with abiotic and biotic stresses. The deteriorating environment has aroused much public concern over the harmful potential, such as plants’ exposure to health risks, global warming, and pathogen resistance, caused by overfertilization, fungicides, and pesticides. The increasing demands of “green farming” expedited the application of organic biostimulants for enhancing crop production and economic and environ- mental sustainability (Fig. 9.1). Seaweeds are macroscopic marine algae. In particular,
members of the Phaeophyceae (brown seaweeds) have been consumed as whole foods and for medicinal purposes since time immemorial in Asian countries (Figueroa et al., 2021). Seaweeds have been applied for millennia as fertilizers and soil conditioners to enhance soil performance and crop pro- ductivity (Craigie, 2010). Additionally, seaweed extracts (SWE), including those from brown, red, and greens vari- eties, have complex chemical composition, including trace elements, phytohormone-like components, labile antioxi- dants such as ascorbate and glutathione, and more stable molecules such as carotenoids, polyphenols, mycosporine- like amino acids, halogenated compounds, poly- saccharides, polyphenols, and polyketides (Cardozo et al., 2007), many of which have been nutraceutically, bio- medically, or pharmaceutically applied (Lomartire et al., 2021). Various
In recent days, liquid formulations of brown seaweed extract, Ascophyllum nodosum used as a biostimulant in agriculture. Various studies suggest that A. nodosum enhanced the growth and yield of agriculturally important crops, but still, there is a lack of information about the biostimulation effects on photosynthesis, flowering and fruit setting of tomato. Hence, the present study aimed to know the effect of foliar application of A. nodosum on photosynthesis, flowering, fruit setting, yield and quality of tomato. A biostimulant product, MC Set with A. nodosum extract applied to tomato as a foliar spray at rates of three different concentrations such as 1.0 L ha −1 (MS 1), 2.0 L ha −1 (MS 2), 3.0 L ha −1 (MS 3) for six times during flowering of 2 nd (30 Days after transplanting -DAT), 3 rd (40 DAT) and 4 th (50 DAT) cluster and fruit setting of 2 nd (60 DAT), 3 rd (70 DAT) and 4 th (80 DAT) cluster respectively. The MC Set treatments enhanced the plant photosynthesis, flower number and fruit number per cluster, yield and quality traits of tomato. However, the middle concentration MS 2 showed highest photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, SPAD value, flower and fruit in 2 nd , 3 rd and 4 th cluster. It also had better average fruit weight and yield per plant and hectare and enhanced the quality parameters such as total soluble solids, ascorbic acid content, lycopene and total sugars compared to control and other two concentrations of MS Set. Hence, using A. nodosum extract on tomato growth could be a better sustainable crop production method.
Abiotic stress, especially drought stress, is one of the principal constraints of crop productivity and is expected to worsen with climate change in the near future. This warrants the development of new technologies to decrease the impact of drought on crop productivity. Biostimulants made from seaweed extracts are one of the relatively new biological based inputs that can help mitigate the negative effects of abiotic stress on plants by enhancing growth, development, and stress tolerance. The current study evaluates the impact of Ascophyllum nodosum extract on tomato plants grown under different levels of water stress. Greenhouse studies were conducted to assess the effect of foliar spray (0.5%) of the extract on stomatal conductance, photosynthetic health, chlorophyll content, and biomass, for plants grown at moisture levels viz. 100%, 50%, and 25% of field capacity. A field study was also conducted with irrigation maintained at 100% and 25%. Additionally, the expression levels of marker genes associated with drought tolerance were evaluated using qPCR studies for Metacaspase 1 ( LeMCA1 ), Non-specific lipid-transfer protein 2 ( Itpg2 ), Late embryogenesis abundant protein ( LEA ) and Delta 1-pyrroline-5- carboxylate synthetase ( P5CS ) genes. Assays were also conducted for the osmolytes including proline and glycine betaine. Furthermore, the activities of antioxidant defense enzymes were evaluated for superoxide dismutase- SOD, catalase- CAT, peroxidase- POX, ascorbate peroxidase- APX and guaiacol peroxidase- GPX. The results of the greenhouse study indicated higher stomatal conductance, chlorophyll content, and Fv/Fm in stressed plants that were foliar sprayed with the A. nodosum extract. Seaweed extract-treated plants under water-stress conditions also had significantly greater shoot and root dry weights compared to control plants. The relative expression levels of the marker genes were also significantly increased in sprayed plants compared to control plants along with increased antioxidant enzymes activities and osmolyte contents. The field experiments revealed that seaweed extract-treated plants had significantly higher plant height and total yield under reduced irrigation compared to control plants, although both parameters remained lower than those seen under full irrigation. This study has produced encouraging findings on the application of Ascophyllum nodosum extract in crop systems, indicating that it may have a positive role in mitigating the effects of drought stress.
To investigate the response of transplant and whole plants of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) to the type of substrate and fertilizer, a factorial experiment was conducted as a randomized block design in Minab city of Hormozgan province with three replications. The first factor included four types of substrates and the second factor included five fertilizers levels. The results of the greenhouse experiment showed that the substrate type and fertilizer had a significant effect on the transplant traits. The results showed that the maximum leaf number and root dry weight of transplants were obtained in the cocopeat + vermicompost substrate. In each substrate, fertilizers improved the transplant traits, and organic and biological fertilizers were more effective. Thus, the maximum transplant height was determined in the cocopeat + vermicompost with algae fertilizer, and the maximum fresh weight and root volume were measured in the same substrate but with phosphozite fertilizer. The results of the field study showed that the evaluated traits were affected by the substrate type and fertilizer, and the seedlings previously grown in the substrates that improved their traits, had better growth after transferring to the field. The results showed that the highest number and yield of fruit, total soluble solids, and ascorbic acid were obtained in the seedlings produced in cocopeat + vermicompost substrate and organic fertilizers. Background and Objective: Transplants production in vegetables, are affected by the type of substrate and fertilizers. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the response of some traits of tomato seedlings and whole plants to the substrate type and fertilizer.
The marine environment depends on seaweed, which is abundant in the water and plays an essential and crucial function in it. Many researchers have been studying seaweed for more than seven decades. According to our needs, research has been done separately in different aspects. There are several chemical fertilisers commercially available today, but they significantly reduce or harm soil fertility, growth, and yield. The amount of fertiliser needed by the plant or crop will determine the fertility of the soil. When compared to terrestrial foods, the seaweed fertilisers had a lot of nutrients including nitrogen, phosphate, potassium, and important vitamins. They also helped to improve biochemical components like proteins, lipids, polysaccharides, enzymes, and plant growth hormones and trace elements. Finally, this paper would be helpful to a common man and farmers to know and aware about such a great living resource which is present in and around us and their agricultural products are beneficial to our society.
Onion is one of the primary commodities of growing in Central Sulawesi and is a raw material for the fried shallot processing industry cv. lembah palu. This study aimed to determine the effect of seaweed extract and NPK on the growth and yield of the onion. This research was performed at the Faculty of Agriculture farm, Tadulako University. This research was prepared using a Randomized Block Design (RBD) consisting of seven treatments, with the following details: (A1) = Caulerpa sp Extract 100 ml/pot; (A2) = Sargassum sp Extract 100 ml/pot; (A3) = Ulva sp. Extract 100 ml/pot; (A4) = 0.25 g NPK fertilizer per plant; (A5) = 100 ml of Caulerpa sp. Seaweed Extract and 0.25 g NPK per pot; (A6) = Sargassum Sp Extract 100 ml and 0.25 g NPK per pot; (A7) = Ulva sp. Extract 100 ml and 0.25 g NPK per pot. Thus, there are seven treatments. Each treatment is repeated three times so that there are 21 experimental units. The results showed that the treatment of seaweed extract and NPK obtained better number of leaves, plant height, fresh plant weight, fresh tuber weight, plant dry weight, and number of tuber clumps.
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 K fertigation through subsurface irrigation lines on processing tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) fruit yield and quality was evaluated in four field trials in California from 2002–04. Fields had exchangeable soil K between 0.48 to 0.85 cmol·kg–1, with high exchangeable Mg (10.6 to 13.7 cmol·kg–1) and a history of yellow shoulder (YS, a fruit color disorder) occurrence. K treatments evaluated included seasonal amount applied (0 to 800 kg·ha–1), fertigation method (continuous versus weekly), and timing (early, mid or late season); foliar K treatments were also included in the 2002 trial. In two fields total and marketable fruit yield were significantly increased by K fertigation, and fruit color improvements were observed in all trials. Among color parameters improved by K fertigation were YS incidence, blended color, and L*, chroma, and hue of the shoulder region of fruit. K fertigation did not affect fruit soluble solids concentration. Yield increased only with fertigation treatments initiated during early fruit set. The effects of fertigation method and rate were inconsistent. Foliar K application was ineffective in increasing either fruit yield or quality.
Biofertilizers based on seaweed extract are a source of nutrients that canreplace conventional synthetic fertilizers, allowing their use in organic agriculture. Theobjective of this research was to evaluate the effect of Ascophyllum nodosum (L.) Le Jolisseaweed extract on tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) yield and vegetative development. Theexperiment was carried out under protected cultivation and in the field, using the PiccoloF1 cultivar. The experimental design was completely randomized in 5 × 2 × 5 factorialarrangement (five combinations of doses and frequency of seaweed extract application;two environments: greenhouse and field, with five assessment dates) for the variables:stem diameter, average number of leaves and relative chlorophyll content. For the othervariables, a 5 × 2 factorial design was used (five combinations of doses and frequency ofseaweed extract application; two environments); the following variables were evaluated:stem diameter, leaf relative chlorophyll content, number of leaves, average fruit weight,number of fruits, longitudinal and transverse fruit diameter, rachis length and average yield.It was possible to verify that the 0.3% seaweed extract dose under protected cultivationand in the field, applied every two weeks, increased the tomato yield, without altering thecharacteristics of fruits and vegetative growth.
Effect of seaweed extract foliar application on three watermelon hybrids was investigated during the two successive cultivation seasons of 2008 and 2009. Watermelon (Citrullus lantus L.) hybrids namely Giza1 (red-color flesh), Envy (Seedless, red-color flesh) and Yellow Crimson watermelon hybrid (yellow-color flesh hybrid) were cultivated and sprayed twice after five and nine weeks from transplanting by extract of seaweed (Ascophyllum nodosum) at concentrations of 0, 1, 2 and 3g/l. Data showed that varietal differences were clear where Giza1 hybrid was superior in vegetative growth compared to the other two hybrids meanwhile, fruit weight was higher in Yellow hybrid compared to the other two hybrids. The effect of seaweed extract application was positive and correlated with the applied concentrations. Applying seaweed extract increased the response of different growth parameters and yield responses while the differences among hybrids remained the same. Data are further discussed in relation to different possible mechanisms of growth enhancement.
The effect of seaweed liquid extracts (SLEs) made from Gracilaria salicornia, Padina gymnospora, Padina boergesenii, Gelidiella acerosa and plant growth regulators (PGRs) were examined on in vitro mass propagation using hypocotyls and leaf disc explants of brinjal (Solanum melongenaL.) cultivar Pusa purple long. For the germination bioassay, seeds germinated with 20–40 % SLEs exhibited enhanced germination. Initially, hypocotyls and leaf discs were cultured on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium containing 6-benzylaminopurine, zeatin and thidiazuron for shoot induction. The best responding cytokinin, 6-benzylaminopurine, was employed with different auxins (indole-3-acetic acid, indole-3-butyric acid and 1-naphthaleneacetic acid) for shoot proliferation. In a second experiment, all the four SLEs (10–60 %) combined with MS medium were studied for shoot propagation. Augmented shoots transferred to half-strength MS medium and supplemented with auxins and SLEs (10–70 %) individually to induce rooting. In these experiments high rate of shoot induction (96.2 %), proliferation (6 cm) and rooting (95.3 %) was found with 20–40 % of SLEs. Well-matured plantlets were transferred to soil cups, maintained in a growth chamber for a week to control humidity and then shifted to a greenhouse. This study demonstrated that SLEs could serve as an alternative to phytohormones as they were easy to extract and gave quick and high-frequency mass propagation.
Most commercial algal extracts are produced from brown algae by alkaline hydrolysis; however, little scientific information has been published regarding the details of the production process. In this research, we have investigated the effect of pH (pH 8–12) and temperature (40, 60, and 80 °C) on liquid extract production from the brown alga Macrocystis pyrifera. Production conditions influenced the physicochemi-cal characteristics of the final product as the extract viscosity increased with increasing pH and temperature to a maximum which occurred at pH 10 and 80 °C. This suggests that at higher pH conditions, alginate and other polysaccharides were extracted. All the extracts obtained promoted growth of toma-to plants (Solanum lycopersicum) and adventitious root for-mation in the mung bean cutting bioassay (Vigna radiata), as the pH process was increased during the production of the liquid extracts. The highest auxin-type activity was obtained with the extract produced at pH 11 and 80 °C, while the fastest tomato seedling growth was achieved with the extract pro-duced at pH 12 and 80 °C.
The paper covers the latest developments in research on the utilitarian properties of algal extracts. Their appli-cation as the components of pharmaceuticals, feeds for animals and fertilizers was discussed. The classes of various bio-logically active compounds were characterized in terms of their role and the mechanism of action in an organism of hu-man, animal and plant. Recently, many papers have been published which discuss the methods of manufacture and the composition of algal ex-tracts. The general conclusion is that the composition of extracts strongly depends on the raw material (geographical loca-tion of harvested algae and algal species) as well as on the extraction method. The biologically active compounds which are transferred from the biomass of algae to the liquid phase include polysaccharides, proteins, polyunsaturated fatty ac-ids, pigments, polyphenols, minerals, plant growth hormones and other. They have well documented beneficial effect on humans, animals and plants, mainly by protection of an organism from biotic and abiotic stress (antibacterial activity, scavenging of free radicals, host defense activity etc.) and can be valuable components of pharmaceuticals, feed additives and fertilizers.
Seaweed extracts are used as nutrient supplements, biostimulants, or biofertilizers in agriculture and horticulture to increase plant growth and yield. In this study, we examined the effect of liquid seaweed extracts (LSEs) made from Ulva lactuca, Caulerpa sertularioides, Padina gymnospora, and Sargassum liebmannii as biostimulants on the germination and growth of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) under laboratory and greenhouse conditions using foliar and soil drench applications of LSEs. We assessed LSEs at different concentrations (0.2, 0.4, and 1.0 %) on germination parameters (percentage, index, mean time, energy, and seedling vigor index) and growth parameters (plumule length, radical length, shoot length, root length, fresh weight, and dry weight) of tomato seedlings. Our results indicate that seeds treated with LSEs of U. lactuca and P. gymnospora at lower concentrations (0.2 %) showed enhanced germination (better response in germination rate associated with lower mean germination time, high germination index and germination energy, and consequently greater seedling vigor and greater plumule and radicle length). Application as a soil drench was found to be more effective in influencing the height of the plant (up to 79 cm) than the foliar spray application (75 cm). Plants receiving LSEs of U. lactuca and P. gymnospora showed increased shoot length, root length, and weight. Furthermore, U. lactuca and P. gymnospora were found to be more successful and better candidates for developing effective biostimulants to improve the growth of tomato plants. This study provides important information on the identification and utilization of Mexican seaweed resources for agriculture and is the first study to report on the uses of these seaweeds as a source of liquid extracts as biostimulants in agriculture.
Color in tomato is the most important external characteristic to assess ripeness and postharvest life, and is a major factor in the consumer's purchase decision. Degree of ripening is usually estimated by color charts. Colorimeters, on the other hand, express colors in numerical terms along the L*, a* and b* axes (from white to black, green to red and blue to yellow, respectively) within the CIELAB color sphere which are usually mathematically combined to calculate the color indexes. Color indexes and their relationship to the visual color classification of tomato fruits vine ripened were compared. L*, a* and b* data (175 observations from eleven cultivars) from visually classified fruits at harvest in six ripening stages according to the USDA were used to calculate hue, chroma, color index, color difference with pure red, a*/b* and (a*/b*)². ANOVA analysis were performed and means compared by Duncan's MRT. Color changes throughout tomato ripening were the result of significant changes in the values of L*, a* and b*. Under the conditions of this study, hue, color index, color difference and a*/b* expressed essentially the same, and the color categories were significantly different in terms of human perception, with hue showing higher range of values. Chroma was not a good parameter to express tomato ripeness, but could be used as a good indicator of consumer acceptance when tomatoes are fully ripened. The (a*/b*)² relationship had the same limitations as chroma. For vine ripened fruits, hue, color index, color difference and a*/b* could be used as objective ripening indexes. It would be interesting to find out what the best index would be if ripening took place under inadequate conditions of temperature and ilumination.
Seaweed extract (Goemar GA 14), applied as a foliar spray increased the total fresh matter production of maize seedlings by 15 to 25% over the control. This was reflected in the increase of root and stem mass per plant. However, only minor differences were measured in stomatal resistance just after treatment and in net carbon assimilation rate two weeks after spraying. No other significant differences were observed in gas exchanges characteristics. The physiological mechanisms responsible for the beneficial effects of seaweed concentrates on plants and the nature and mode of action of the compounds contained in these concentrates have not yet been elucidated.
Effect of Kappaphycus alvarezii sap (seaweed) on growth and yield of tomato was studied in field during kharif season of 2006-07. K. alvarezii sap, applied as a foliar spray (5.0%), increased yield of tomato fruit (60.89%) as compared to control plants sprayed with water, attributed to increase in number of fruits per plant and size of fruit. With application of sap, fruit quality and also macro (13.24-67.50%) and micro (23.84-42.61%) elements content increased over control. Nutrient uptake by fruit and shoot was improved with foliar application of K. alvarezii sap. Plants receiving foliar applications showed resistance to leaf curl, bacterial wilt and fruit borer.
This study examined the effects of Stimplex™, a marine plant extract formulation from Ascophyllum nodosum, on some common cucumber fungal pathogens. Greenhouse cucumber plants were sprayed and/or root drenched using Stimplex™ at
0.5% or 1% concentration twice at 10-day intervals. Treatments also included application of fungicide (chlorothalonil, 2gL−1) alternating with Stimplex™ application. Treated plants were inoculated with four cucumber fungal pathogens including Alternaria cucumerinum, Didymella applanata, Fusarium oxysporum, and Botrytis cinerea. Stimplex™ application resulted in a significant reduction in disease incidence of all the pathogens tested. The disease
control effect was greater for Alternaria and Fusarium infection, followed by Didymella and Botrytis. Combined spray and root drenching with Stimplex™ was more effective than either spray or root drenching alone. The alternation
of one fungicide application, alternated with Stimplex™ application, was highly effective and found to be the best treatment
in reducing the disease ratings. Plants treated with Stimplex™ showed enhanced activities of various defense-related enzymes
including chitinase, β-1,3-glucanase, peroxidase, polyphenol oxidase, phenylalanine ammonia lyase, and lipoxygenase. Altered
transcript levels of various defense genes, including chitinase, lipoxygenase, glucanase, peroxidase, and phenylalanine ammonia
lyase were observed in treated plants. Cucumber plants treated with Stimplex™ also accumulated higher level of phenolics compared
to water controls. These results suggest that seaweed extracts enhance disease resistance in cucumber probably through induction
of defense genes or enzymes.
Keywords
Ascophyllum
–Cucumber–Fungal diseases–Resistance–Mechanism
Experiments were conducted on tomato to study the potential of brown alga Sargassum johnstonii as a biofertilizer. Seaweed extract was applied as a foliar spray, soil drench, and soil drench + foliar spray to assess
its effect on plant growth, yield, and concentration of lycopene and vitamin C. The main objective of the study was to enhance
the biochemical constituents with neutraceutical and antioxidant values in tomato fruit. Different concentrations (0.1%, 0.4%,
0.8%, 2%, 6%, 8%, and 10%; v/v) of seaweed extract were used and growth was observed over a period of 7months. A total of 14 sprays/drenches were applied
at 15-day intervals during the entire vegetative and reproductive phase. A statistically significant increase in vegetative
growth (plant height, shoot length, root length, and number of branches), reproductive parameters (flower number, fruit number,
and fresh weight), and biochemical constituents (photosynthetic pigments, proteins, total soluble sugars, reducing sugars,
starch, phenols, lycopene, and vitamin C) was recorded following all three methods of treatment at higher concentrations of
seaweed extract. The study also reports auxin- and cytokinin-like activity, and the presence of macro- (Ca, Mg, Na, and K)
and micronutrients (Fe, Cu, Zn, and Mn), in seaweed extract of S. johnstonii, which makes it a potential biofertilizer.
KeywordsBiofertilizer–Nutrients–Lycopene–
Lycopersicon esculentum
–Seaweed extract–Vitamin C
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.
Both micro- and macroalgae have long been used to augment plant productivity and food production in various regions of the
world through their beneficial effects when applied to soils. Interactions of algae with the soil community undoubtedly are
complex and benefits are dependent on the crop and the local environmental conditions. This has resulted in much speculation
as to mechanisms involved as well as the validity of the results reported. It is now 60years since the first commercial seaweed
extract was manufactured for agricultural use. These aqueous extracts allowed for the first time the direct application of
soluble seaweed constituents to specific plant organs such as leaves and roots. The earlier concept that benefits of seaweeds
and their extracts were due mainly to their manurial value or to their micronutrient suites is no longer tenable. Seaweeds
likewise have been used for millennia as fodder supplements to improve animal nutrition and productivity. Recent research
is focusing on their mode of action, specific health benefits, and the mechanisms of action in animals. Improved analytical
techniques and instrumentation coupled with the use of molecular genetic tools are establishing that seaweed extracts can
modify plant and animal responses at a fundamental level. It therefore seems appropriate to review key developments over the
years and to remark on novel findings. A new and exciting vista has opened for seaweed extracts in both plant and animal applications.
KeywordsAlgae–Growth hormones–Pathogen resistance–Animal health–Polymers
The aims of this study were to characterise the composition of seaweed species and to evaluate the efficacy of aqueous extracts
as plant biostimulants. Five species (Ascophyllum nodosum, Fucus serratus, Fucus vesiculosus, Laminaria hyperborea and Sargassum muticum) of seaweed were harvested from Strangford Lough, Northern Ireland for the evaluation of polysaccharides, indole-3-acetic
acid (IAA), carbon, nitrogen, lipid, ash and mineral contents. The compositional analyses of the five species and their freeze-dried
extracts were also carried out using thermogravimetric analysis, scanning electron microscopy and X-ray microanalysis. The
concentration of IAA in the acid extracts of the five species ranged between 2.74 and 46.8ngg−1. The carbon, nitrogen, lipid and ash contents ranged between 25.0 and 38.6, 1.37%, and 3.16, 0.83%, and 3.98 and 18.10 and
47.68%, respectively. L. hyperborea and S. muticum contained the highest amounts of minerals. The biostimulant activities of acidic (pH3.0), neutral (pH6.5) and alkaline
(pH9.0) extracts were determined by mung bean bioassay. The alkaline extracts from F. vesiculosus and A. nodosum stimulated significantly (P < 0.001) higher dry matter (DM, %) yield of the mung bean plants. The majority of the acidic extracts significantly (P < 0.001) enhanced root formation on the mung bean stem cuttings compared to alkaline or neutral extracts. The acidic extracts
of the five species, water control and a commercial product were evaluated as foliar feeds for pak choi plants using a hydroponic
production system. The interaction of species, e.g. A. nodosum and F. vesiculosus and the two treatment dilutions on DM yield increases of pak choi were significant (P < 0.05).
KeywordsSeaweeds–Phaeophyta–Mung bean–Pak choi
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.
Extracts of the brown seaweed Ascophyllum nodosum enhance plant tolerance against environmental stresses such as drought, salinity, and frost. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying this improved stress tolerance and the nature of the bioactive compounds present in the seaweed extracts that elicits stress tolerance remain largely unknown. We investigated the effect of A. nodosum extracts and its organic sub-fractions on freezing tolerance of Arabidopsis thaliana. Ascophyllum nodosum extracts and its lipophilic fraction significantly increased tolerance to freezing temperatures in in vitro and in vivo assays. Untreated plants exhibited severe chlorosis, tissue damage, and failed to recover from freezing treatments while the extract-treated plants recovered from freezing temperature of -7.5 degrees C in in vitro and -5.5 degrees C in in vivo assays. Electrolyte leakage measurements revealed that the LT(50) value was lowered by 3 degrees C while cell viability staining demonstrated a 30-40% reduction in area of damaged tissue in extract treated plants as compared to water controls. Moreover, histological observations of leaf sections revealed that extracts have a significant effect on maintaining membrane integrity during freezing stress. Treated plants exhibited 70% less chlorophyll damage during freezing recovery as compared to the controls, and this correlated with reduced expression of the chlorphyllase genes AtCHL1 and AtCHL2. Further, the A. nodosum extract treatment modulated the expression of the cold response genes, COR15A, RD29A, and CBF3, resulting in enhanced tolerance to freezing temperatures. More than 2.6-fold increase in expression of RD29A, 1.8-fold increase of CBF3 and two-fold increase in the transcript level of COR15A was observed in plants treated with lipophilic fraction of A. nodosum at -2 degrees C. Taken together, the results suggest that chemical components in A. nodosum extracts protect membrane integrity and affect the expression of stress response genes leading to freezing stress tolerance in A. thaliana.
Abiotic stresses, such as drought, salinity, extreme temperatures, chemical toxicity and oxidative stress are serious threats to agriculture and the natural status of the environment. Increased salinization of arable land is expected to have devastating global effects, resulting in 30% land loss within the next 25 years, and up to 50% by the year 2050. Therefore, breeding for drought and salinity stress tolerance in crop plants (for food supply) and in forest trees (a central component of the global ecosystem) should be given high research priority in plant biotechnology programs. Molecular control mechanisms for abiotic stress tolerance are based on the activation and regulation of specific stress-related genes. These genes are involved in the whole sequence of stress responses, such as signaling, transcriptional control, protection of membranes and proteins, and free-radical and toxic-compound scavenging. Recently, research into the molecular mechanisms of stress responses has started to bear fruit and, in parallel, genetic modification of stress tolerance has also shown promising results that may ultimately apply to agriculturally and ecologically important plants. The present review summarizes the recent advances in elucidating stress-response mechanisms and their biotechnological applications. Emphasis is placed on transgenic plants that have been engineered based on different stress-response mechanisms. The review examines the following aspects: regulatory controls, metabolite engineering, ion transport, antioxidants and detoxification, late embryogenesis abundant (LEA) and heat-shock proteins.
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.
In the years 2009-2011 small-sized tomato plants cv. 'Bianka F1' were sprayed with biostimulators on the basis of marine algae extracts: Acadian (at concentration 0.5%), Bio-algeen S-90 (at 0.5%) and Labimar 10S (at 0.3%). They were used three times: in the stage of 2-3 leaves, before planting and at the beginning of flowering. The aim of study was to evaluate of relationship between tomato yield, cluster features and physiological indices under various seaweed biostimulators. The experiment was carried out in a high plastic tunnel in the Vegetable Experimental Station near Szczecin. Total and marketable yield of tomato sprayed with Acadian and Labimar 10S was increased in comparison the plants treated with preparation Bio-algeen S-90 and the control plants (sprayed with water). All applied preparations had a beneficial influence on the early harvest of tomato fruits, length of clusters and number of fruits in the cluster. Spraying of leaves with Bio-algeen S-90 resulted in a significant increase chlorophyll a, b, a + b and carotenoids content. The applied of Labimar 10S increased of chlorophyll b and a + b level. The higher rate of CO2 assimilation, larger index of effectiveness of water use in the photosynthesis and no effect stomatal conductance for water and CO2 concentration in the intercellular pores of leaves were obtained after spraying of tomato with biostimulators. The applied of Labimar 10S and Bio-algeen S-90 decreased the rate of transpiration and significantly increased value of the relative water content index in the tissues of leaves.
A single solution reagent is described for the determination of phosphorus in sea water. It consists of an acidified solution of ammonium molybdate containing ascorbic acid and a small amount of antimony. This reagent reacts rapidly with phosphate ion yielding a blue-purple compound which contains antimony and phosphorus in a 1:1 atomic ratio. The complex is very stable and obeys Beer's law up to a phosphate concentration of at least 2 μg/ml.The sensitivity of the procedure is comparable with that of the stannous chloride method. The salt error is less than 1 %.
The aim of the experiments carried out in a high, polyethylene in the years 2004-2006 was to examine the influence of the algae preparation Bio-algeen S-90 on yield, mineral composition of fruits, content of assimilatory pigments, intensity of assimilation and transpiration and photosynthetic water use efficiency index of the cherry tomato cv. Con-chita Fj. The results on tomato yields proved significant differences in total and marketable yield under the influence of Bio-algeen. The biggest total and marketable yields were obtained when plants were treated three times with Bio-algeen. Bio-algeen also caused increase in content of mineral components in cherry tomato fruits. Three- and fourfold sprays increased the content of total nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, zinc, iron and nitrates. Treating tomato plants with the preparation increased the content of assimilatory pigments of tomato. Increase in a number of Bio-algeen sprays led to higher contents of total, a and b chlorophyll and carotenoids in leaves. Intensity of assimilation and transpiration of the plants and water use efficiency index depended on number of plants spraying with Bio-algeen. Plants sprayed two and three times with Bio-algeen were characterized by greater transpiration and assimilation intensity, but also by smaller efficiency of water use index.
Dry plant material contains 2-4% nitrogen, making it an essential nutrient for all plants. The nitrogen cycle regulates the pathways which transform nitrogen from a relatively inert dinitrogen gas to forms of organic nitrogen such as proteins and nucleic acids. Denitrification and nitrogen fixation are the two most important processes that remove and add nitrogen to the soil, respectively. The aim of the study was to gain information on the denitrification and nitrogen fixing activities in soil and sediment employing the acetylene technique and assuring the gas chromatography analysis by total plate count and most probably number. The results indicated that acetylene (0.1 atm) inhibited N 2O reduction and caused stoichiometric accumulation of N 2O during the conversion of NO 3- to N2. N 2O was an obligatory intermediate in the sequence of steps between N 2O- and N2. The appearance of CO 2 and accumulation of N 2O would be suitable criteria for the presence of denitrifiers in appropriately enriched media and the acetylene reduction test is a suitable assay for nitrogen fixing activity. There was an obligatory requirement for organic carbon as a carbon and energy source for denitrification and nitrogen fixation to take place. The results showed that acetylglucosamine can be used as a carbon and energy source for denitrification but not as a nitrogen source (C:N ratio of 5:1). NH 4+ has no effect on denitrification activity but it inhibited the nitrogenase activity. The presence of air in the gas phase affects both the denitrification and nitrogen fixing activity while adding H 2O encouraged anaerobic conditions.
Liquid seaweed products were introduced in 1950 and now enjoy a world-wide reputation. The manurial value of these products is not related to their N. P. K. content and they show unusual properties such as enhanced germination of seeds, increased frost resistance and they induce resistance to fungal and insect pests. The relevant literature is reviewed together with supporting evidence from other sources. The manufacture and use of these products is discussed. Iii my first contacts with (the late) Tony Stephenson, I discounted many of the claims he made for «Maxicrop» and I was surprised when a second product, «Baby Bio», was launched on the British Market. A demand for these products was soon apparent; one to the retail market and the other in commercial horticulture. The story of this unusual venture has now been published in a book (STEPHENSON, 1968) which outlines the manufacture and uses of these extracts. By 1958, export sales began to develop and Tony and I discussed ways of producing a dried extract for the export market and the type of publicity and research needed to foster further development. As a matter of fact, the first dried seaweed extract was exported early in 1959. At this time, the use of seaweed fertilizers was unorthodox and several factors contributed to my deviation from the tradional views of soil chemistry. The first was an analysis of my soil which was found to give unusually high figures for potash and «available» phosphorus.