Brown algae (Sargassum sp) extract prepared by indigenous microbe fermentation enhanced tomato germination parameters

Abstract

Treatment during the germination process is a very important factor in improving the quality and quantity of tomato plant production. This study aims to determine the effect of the extract of Sargassum sp. brown seaweed (Ochrophyta, Fucales) which was fermented by several types of microbes in the germination of tomato plants. The types of microbes used in this study were Bacillus subtilis, Paenibacillus polymyxa, Trichoderma sp. and Gliocladium sp. The parameters observed were germination percentage, vigor index, germination energy, extract salinity, and plant height. The results of observations of germination percentage showed that the most effective treatment was treatment with fungi fermented Sargassum sp extract at a concentration of 2.5% with a germination percentage of 96.00%. The vigor index of tomato seedlings showed that the addition of commercial effective microorganism (EM4) at a concentration of 2.5% was the most effective treatment with the mean seed vigor index having a value of 1110.00%. Observations of germination energy showed that for all treatment groups at all concentrations the germination energy was significantly different from the negative control group. The germination index was highest after the treatment with the fungi fermented Sargassum sp. extract at a concentration of 5% with a germination index value of 357.33%. The result of testing the effect of fermented Sargassum sp extract on the height of tomato plants showed that treatment with Sargassum sp extract with EM4 at a concentration of 5% was the most effective treatment with a plant height for 13.67 cm.