Systematic study on the effect of seaweed fertilizer on the growth and yield of Vigna radiata (L.) R. Wilczek (Mung bean)

Abstract

Seaweed (Marine algae) extracts have been reported to be beneficial to plants for early seed germination, better plant growth, improved crop yield, and also in preventing biotic and abiotic stress. They are naturally rich in plant growth-promoting factors like microelements, organic matter, vitamins, and fatty acids and can be a low-cost alternative to conventional N:P:K fertilizers and expensive organic farming techniques. Herein, the seaweed fertilizer (SF) have prepared by using three seaweeds, viz., Turbinaria ornata (TSF), Ulva intestinalis (USF), and Portieria hornemannii (PSF). The formulation was evaluated for biostimulant potential by performing a pot culture on Vigna radiata (L.) R. Wilczek, along with aqueous control, chemical fertilizer control (CFC), and organic manure control (OMC). The plants were treated with various groupings (individual and combination) of SF at six different concentrations. The study revealed that PSF (30%) stimulates maximum seed germination and an upsurge in plant growth (shoot length (28%), root length (120%), leaf count (53%), leaf area (62%), fresh weight (41%), and dry weight (54%)), pigment concentration (carotenoid (80%), chlorophyll a (29%), and chlorophyll b (41%)), and biochemical parameters of the leaves (carbohydrate (18%), protein (21%), amino acids (21%), phenolic content(49%)) when compared with aqueous control. The study revealed an 85% surge in the quantity of grains (15.568 g/plant) upon treatment with 30% PSF compared with aqueous control (8.413 g/plant). Followed by 30% (USF + PSF), 30% (TSF + PSF), and 40% PSF, have exhibited 75%, 73%, and 72% increase, respectively, compared with aqueous control. The nutrient uptake study exhibited that 30% PSF improves the efficiency of mineral uptake in V. radiata (L) plants. The results suggest that the tested SF, especially PSF, could be a low-cost and environmentally safe fertilizer. Based on this study, the formulated PSF could be used alone or partially replaced with commercial fertilizers to reduce the total cultivation cost.