Effect of seaweed on seed germination and biochemical constituents of Capsicum annuum

Abstract

Macro algae or Seaweeds contain many bio active compounds which can be used in various industries including agricultural, food, and pharmaceutical. In the present study we used Padina gymnospora, Gracilaria edulis and Ulva fasciata aqueous extracts used as a seaweed biofertilizers for the seed germination of Capsicum annuum. The seeds were soaked in different concentrations of seaweed extract (2, 4, 6, 8 and 10%) and water (as control) for 24 h. Percentage of seed germination (GP), shoot length (SL), germination index (GI), mean germination time (MGT), seedling vigor index (SVI), germination energy (GE), pH has been studied. The minimum concentration 8% of Padina gymnospora 6% of Gracilaria edulis and 8% of Ulva fasciata enhances the seed germination rate. The above mentioned three seaweed seed germination parameters on Capsicum annuum are as follows, the shoot length was (76,70 and 85 mm in dm), germination index (0.933, 0.866 and 0.7), germination percentage (70%,65% and 60%), mean germination time (10.5,5.25 and 9), seedling vigor index (53.2%,45.55% and 51%), germination energy (70% 65% and 60%), total protein content (2%,0.1% and 10.2%), total phenol content (15%,0.09% and 12%) and antioxidant inhibition percentage (43.1%,22.4% and 24.6) in Capsicum annuum. Between these three seaweeds Padina gymnospora aqueous extract 8% reveal superior retaliation. We conclude that Padina gymnospora 8% may improve the germination process and phytochemical presence in Capsicum annum.