Abstract
To explore the effects of kelp waste extracts (KWE) on the growth and development of Brassia chinensis L., germination and greenhouse experiments were carried out under different concentrations of KWE. The results showed that a higher germination percentage (95%), associated with high germination index (8.70), germination energy (71.67%) and seedling vigor index (734.67), was obtained under a lower KWE concentration (2%) compared with the control. The radicle length (4.97 cm), fresh weight (0.32 g/10 seedlings) and dry weight (0.015 g/10 seedlings) were significantly increased in the treatment of 2% KWE. KWE also could enhance the root growth, the maximum leaf length × width and the fresh weight of plants, the optimal value of which increased by 8.37 cm, 58.14 cm2 and 7.76 g under the treatment of 10% KWE compared with the control respectively. Meanwhile, the contents of vitamin C and soluble sugars in pakchoi leaf were improved by 19.6 mg/100 g and 1.44 mg/g compared with the control, and the nitrate content was decreased by 212.27 mg/kg. Briefly, KWE could markedly stimulate the pakchoi seeds germination at a lower concentration (2%) and enhance the plant growth and quality at a higher concentration (10%).
Highlights
As biostimulants and liquid fertilizers, seaweed extracts have been applied as foliar spray and soil drench in organic farming[1]
kelp waste extracts (KWE) was rich in soluble sugars, amino acids as well as diverse mineral elements with high concentrations of N, phosphorus (P), potassium (K), Ca, and magnesium (Mg)[14]
The above data showed that both kelp waste and KWE may be considered as versatile biostimulants to provide sufficient nutrients for the growth and development of plants
Summary
As biostimulants and liquid fertilizers, seaweed extracts have been applied as foliar spray and soil drench in organic farming[1]. Battacharyya et al.[5] illustrated diverse seaweed extracts regulated the gene expression of nutrient uptake in treated plants. Due to the worldwide intensive requirements for alginate production and the low extracting efficiency, a large amount of kelp wastes are being produced each year in China[10]. These wastes contain massive crude fiber, protein as well as residual alginic acid. The degradation of these substances could generate a mass of organic nutrients and nutrient salts, which could stimulate the growth of plant or microbial[11]. The aims of this research are to probe the effects of kelp www.nature.com/scientificreports/
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