Preparation and evaluation of liquid fertilizer from Turbinaria ornata and Ulva reticulata

Abstract

Abstract In the current study, Seaweed Liquid Fertilizer (SLF) prepared from the combination of two marine algae namely Turbinaria ornata and Ulva reticulata, was investigated on Raphanus sativus (Radish), Phaseolus vulgaris (Green Pea) and Vigna radiata (Mung). The potentiality was evaluated on the basis of seed germination, plant growth and various biochemical criterions in comparison with chemical fertilizer and plants without any supplement. The seeds of V. radiata, P. vulgaris, and R. sativus were supplemented with 5 different SLF concentrations (20, 40, 60, 80 and 100%) and allowed for germination. Seeds of all the plants showed 100% germination with both 80% and 100% SLF concentrations. It has been observed that 100% SLF treated plants was very effective in enhancing growth rate followed by 80% SLF. The root and shoot length, protein, amino acid, amino acid, carbohydrate and phenol concentration of the plants were found to be maximal at 100% SLF. Among the three plants, P. vulgaris has shown remarkable growth and yield followed by R. sativus and V. radiata. Additionally, the SLF also displayed antagonistic activity against plant phytopathogens such as Rhizoctonia solani, Macrophomina phaseolina, Sclerotium rolfsii and Alternaria solani. The GC-MS analysis of SLF indicated the presence of several bioactive compounds such as cyclopentasiloxane tetradeca-methyl, 3-acetonylcyclopentanone, etc. which are known for its role in plant growth and antifungal activity. The results suggest that the T. ornata and U. reticulata derived SLF could be an effective alternative to chemical fertilizers and warrant further research to investigate its possible use on field.