Sargassum seaweed extract regulates physio-molecular patterns in Sesamum indicum L. towards better growth and Macrophomina tolerance

Abstract

Seaweed extracts have gained significant attention in agriculture as they contain biologically active components that promote plant growth, increase productivity and stress signalling pathways for disease tolerance. The present study, reveal the positive effect of Sargassum tenerrimum extract on Sesamum indicum L. at both vegetative and reproductive stages towards enhancing tolerance against charcoal rot disease caused by Macrophomina phaseolina. The application of S. tenerrimum extract alone and in combination with Macrophomina enhanced the plant's growth and yield. In both stages, the S. tenerrimum extract alone and in combination with Macrophomina resulted in increased membrane stability index, photosynthetic pigments and osmolytes as compared to control and Macrophomina treatment. Significant decrease in the accumulation of reactive oxygen species was observed in combined treatment as compared to Macrophomina treatment alone in both the stages with both sprays. Antioxidative enzymes exhibited higher accumulation in S. tenerrimum extract treatment and in combination during both sprays at both stages. The improved yield was observed with the applications of S. tenerrimum extract at both stages. Consequently, this study highlights the beneficial role of S. tenerrimum extract in managing diseases in S. indicum by modulating physio-biochemical pathways for improved growth and yield.