Application Of Seaweed Extract Research Articles

Foliar Application of Seaweed Extract and Micronutrients on Plant Growth and Yield of Strawberry (Fragaria X ananassa Duch) CV. Winter Dawn

The review summarizes the findings from recent studies, assessing the impact of foliar application of seaweed extracts and micronutrients on strawberry plants. Improvements in growth parameters, nutrient uptake, TSS, and yield attributes were observed. The study also determines whether adding seaweed extracts and micronutrients to strawberry growth methods can improve plant performance in general and fruit yield in particular. Minerals, amino acids, and plant growth regulators are among the bioactive substances found in seaweed extracts that have been shown to have a positive impact on a number of plant physiological functions. Furthermore, vitamin shortages might result in decreased growth and yield because they are essential to the plant's metabolic processes. The combination of micronutrients and seaweed extract has synergistic effects that offer a promising way to boost the general health and yield of strawberry crops.

Deciphering Nature’s Secret of Seaweed Extract as a Biostimulant on Horticultural Crops: A Review

Seaweed extracts have gained significant attention in horticultural practices due to their diverse range of beneficial effects on plant growth, development, and stress tolerance. The presence of antioxidants and Osm-protectants in seaweed extracts helps mitigate oxidative damage and maintain cellular integrity under adverse conditions. It also holds great promise as a valuable input in horticultural systems, offering a range of benefits including enhanced soil health, and sustainability. This review aims to summarize and analyze the benefits of seaweed extract application on horticultural crops. The extracts derived from seaweed are rich in essential nutrients which are available from through which plants can absorb easily and promote growth. It also contains numerous bioactive compounds including cytokinins, auxins, gibberellins, and betaines, which act as plant growth regulators. The application of seaweed extracts can induce systemic acquired resistance (SAR) in plants, triggering defense mechanisms against pathogens and pests, which can reduce the need for synthetic pesticides and fungicides, promoting sustainable and environmentally friendly horticultural practices. In addition to its direct effects on plants, seaweed extract enhances soil health and microbial activity. It serves as a natural biostimulant, promoting beneficial microbial populations in the rhizosphere, which facilitate nutrient uptake and cycling. Moreover, the humic substances present in seaweed extract contribute to soil structure improvement, water retention, and nutrient availability, fostering a conducive environment for plant growth.

Foliar Application of Seaweed Extract and Micronutrients on Plant Growth and Yield of Strawberry (Fragaria X Annanassa Duch) CV. Winter Dawn: A Review

The study investigates the potential benefits of integrating seaweed extracts and micronutrients into the cultivation practices of strawberries to enhance overall plant performance and fruit production. Seaweed extracts are known to contain bioactive compounds, including plant growth regulators, amino acids, and minerals, which have been reported to positively influence various physiological processes in plants. Additionally, micronutrients play a crucial role in the plant's metabolic activities, and deficiencies can lead to reduced growth and yield. The synergistic effects of seaweed extract and micronutrients present an intriguing avenue for improving the overall health and productivity of strawberry crops. The review summarizes the findings from recent studies, assessing the impact of foliar application of seaweed extracts and micronutrients on strawberry plants. Improvements in growth parameters, nutrient uptake, and yield attributes were observed. Furthermore, the review concluded the potential use of various seaweed extract and micronutrients in strawberry cultivation for significant advantages.

Assessing the Effects of Biostimulant on Tomato Growth, Yield and Quality in Open Field Condition

Aim: This study, conducted at "C" Block Farm, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Kalyani, Nadia, West Bengal, during the period of 2022–23, explores the impact of biostimulants on the growth, yield, and quality of tomatoes (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.). The primary objectives include investigating the significant effects of biostimulants and determining the optimal stage for their application, given the current emphasis on sustainable farming practices.
 Study Design: The experimental design employed Randomized Block Design (RBD) with three replications and eight treatments. Results indicate that biostimulant application, particularly as a foliar spray, significantly enhances crop growth and stimulates reproductive growth in later stages compared to control plants. Notably, the application of Biostimulant (Kazuki Gold)topically at 500 ml/acre during pre-flowering stage and during fruit development stage (T5) significantly registered the highest yield of 751.89 q/ha.
 Place and Duration of Study: The farm, situated near the Tropic of Cancer, exhibits coordinates of approximately 22.89°N latitude and 88.45°E longitude, with an altitude of around 9.75 m above sea level.
 Results: The highest lycopene content of 5.08 mg/100gm, which was significantly superior over all the treatments was obtained with the application of Kazuki gold during the two stages of application (i.e. at pre- flowering stages and during fruit development stage). The study also observed substantial impacts on other quality parameters with the application of seaweed extracts, protein hydrolysates, and N-fixing growth promoters during various stages of plant growth.
 Conclusion: Based on the findings, it can be concluded that Applying KAZUKI GOLD/YOSHI GOLD through foliar spray at a rate of 500ml per acre during the pre-flowering and fruit development stages has demonstrated profitability and advantages, leading to increased yields of high-quality tomato fruits.

Applications of seaweed extracts in agriculture: An Australian perspective

AbstractSociety depends on food production. However, agricultural productivity is greatly challenged by extreme climate events and volatility. Seaweed extracts (SWE) have a key role in food production and their use is central to improving agricultural productivity by increasing crop tolerance to stress, improving the efficiency of plant nutrient use, and by contributing to sustainable farm practices. The benefits of SWE to crops have previously been reviewed in the context of the northern hemisphere, but not since 2015 in Australia – specific to its crops and unique stressors. This review is focused on the scientific progress since 2015 and insights from Australian research related to: (i) SWE-stimulated plant responses, (ii) field research on SWE, (iii) optimising the use of SWE in agriculture. The review considers the effects of SWE (made from Durvillaea potatorum and Ascophyllum nodosum) in the field, across crops, seasons, regions, and farming systems in Australia, and research conducted in the laboratory under controlled conditions on model and crop plants at the molecular, cellular, and physiological levels. The results from the review highlight the role of SWE in plant priming responses in laboratory experiments and its association with improved plant tolerance in the field. The review discusses the field effects related to production and fruit quality. The uniqueness of the Australian research is the inclusion of the same SWE in laboratory and field research, and the characterisation of plant responses under challenged and un-challenged conditions. This information provides deeper insights into the actions of SWE and enables growers and agronomists to optimize their field application in Australian agriculture.

Combined use of seaweed extract and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi for alleviating salt stress in bell pepper (Capsicum annuum L.)

Salinity is the most catastrophic abiotic stress that aggravating its detrimental effects on productivity of horticultural crop especially bell pepper that might be alleviated through judicious application of seaweed extract (SWE) and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF). Therefore, the present study was focused on the interactive effects of SWE and AMF to improve growth, physiological responses and yield performance of bell pepper grown under salt stress. Factorial experiment consisted of three factors namely SWE dose (non-treated control, 2.5 g L–1, 5.0 g L–1 and 7.5 g L–1 designated as SWE0, SWE2.5, SWE5.0 and SWE7.5, respectively); water salinity levels (control- 0.54, 4, 8 and 12 dS m–1) and two levels of AMF inoculation (with AMF [+AMF] and without AMF [–AMF]). Factorial experiment was laid out where treatment combinations were assigned completely randomized design (CRD) with three replications. SWE treated plants upgraded leaf relative water content, leaf greenness and membrane stability index 16 %, 19 % and 13 %, respectively with lower electrolyte leakage (15 %) at 12 dS m–1 water salinity compared to non-treated plants. In addition, higher proline content (79 %) was observed at SWE5.0 in AMF inoculated plants over control (non-inoculated plants. Marketable fruit yields were higher (31 %) with the combined application of SWE and AMF at extreme salt stress conditions (12 dS m–1). Apart from that, SWE7.5 treated plants exhibited more accumulation of potassium (26 %) and phosphorous (32 %) while less accumulation of sodium (16 %) was displayed at higher salinity level (12 dS m–1) compared to control plants. Moreover, SWE and AMF treated plants showed better postharvest quality (pH, Brix) performance during storage condition compared with control. Taken together, it might be inferred that integrated application of SWE and AMF had boosted up morpho-physiological traits, yield and ion homeostasis to ameliorate the baleful effects of salt stress on bell pepper.

Plant growth regulator extracts from seaweeds promote plant growth and confer drought tolerance in canola (Brassica napus)

ABSTRACT Brassica napus, commonly known as canola, is an important oilseed crop in Canada contributing over $29.9 billion CAD to the Canadian economy annually. A major challenge facing Canadian canola is drought, which has become increasingly prevalent in recent years due to the changing climate. Research investigating novel agronomic techniques in mitigating drought is key to securing yields and sustainability in canola and other crops. One such technique is the use of bio-stimulant sprays to help offset biotic and abiotic stresses in plants through promoting stand establishment. Previous studies have shown that the application of seaweed extracts as bio-stimulant sprays to Brassicaceae has been successful in improving plant growth and development along with stress tolerance. However, this method has yet to be tested on canola. The organic nutrients that are waste products from processed seaweed help stimulate plant growth, yielding higher quality plants as a result. In association with Le Groupe Roullier, this study demonstrates that the Roullier extracts (RE) help increase plant growth characteristics and drought tolerance in canola when sprayed 3 times over a 3-week period. A high yielding but drought sensitive mutant of canola, d14 (developed through gene editing) was used for drought assays after 8 weeks of growth and where water was withheld for 6 days. Application of the REs prior to drought resulted in plants having enhanced survival rate and improved biomass retention indicating high drought tolerance. Subsequent RNA sequencing and gene ontological term analysis performed using RE treated plants in triplicates, revealed substantial levels of differential expression of growth-related genes along with stress-related genes. These REs elicited responses in plants that had previously only been achieved through gene editing and transgenic methodologies. Using bio-stimulant sprays provides a novel platform to promote beneficial agronomic traits, independent of genetic manipulation.

Combined effects of biostimulants, N level and drought stress on yield, quality and physiology of greenhouse-grown basil

Precise nitrogen (N) supply is an agronomic practice of crucial importance to achieve optimal crop performance without compromising product quality. However, excessive use of synthetic N fertilizers may have deleterious effects on both agroecosystem and human health. Thus, the development and use of strategies aiming to ameliorate the losses caused by water constraints and N deficiency are essential for fostering resilient and sustainable agroecosystems. In this regard, the impact of three drought stress levels (DS) [100%, 80% and 60% of the field capacity (FC)] in combination with four N supply rates (0, 50, 100 and 150 kg ha−1) on sweet basil cultivated in a protected environment was investigated. The interactive biostimulatory action of Kelpstar® seaweed extract (SWE) and Tyson® protein hydrolysate (PH) was also explored. The study focused on the effects of these treatments on yield, physiological attributes, functional traits, and volatile compounds profile. Drought stress led to a reduction in yield by 12.5% and 21.1% under irrigation at 80% and 60% FC, respectively, compared to well-watered plots (100% FC). Furthermore, drought stress levels linearly decreased total leaf area (-15.4% and -26.2% for DS80 and DS60, respectively), stomatal conductance (-14.2% and 34.1% for DS80 and DS60, respectively), nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) (4.0% and 10.0% for DS80 and DS60, respectively), and volatile compounds, such as trans-2-hexanal, 1-octen-3-ol and α-bergamotene. Conversely, an increase in N application rate positively influenced yield (8.6% and 12.2% for N100 and N150, respectively), total leaf area (22.2% and 16.5% for N100 and N150, respectively), specific leaf area (SLA), total chlorophyll (7.7% for N150), nitrate content, and the presence of specific volatile compounds, such as 1-octen-3-ol and α-bergamotene, when compared to no N application. Seaweed extract application caused an upsurge in yield (+17.5%), stomatal conductance (+25.8%), WP (+13.5%), total chlorophyll (+2.3%), nitrate (+3.4%), phenolics (+14.2), ascorbic acid (+28.2), as well as, 1-octen-3-ol, β-cis-ocimene, linalool and eugenol, compared to the control. Similarly, plant protein hydrolysate increased yield (+16.1), stomatal conductance (+10.4), WP (+13.7), total chlorophyll (+4.3), phenolics (+10.7%), ascorbic acid (+9.7%), β-cis-ocimene and eugenol, compared to the control. Notably, the increased yield, improved quality, and enchanced physiological traits observed after biostimulant application, especially under drought stress or N deficiency conditions, underscore the potential role of biostimulants in increasing resilience of basil plants. Thus, the foliar application of SWE and PH offer a valuable strategy for enhancing plant yield and quality under sub-optimal conditions, while simultaneously enhancing water and N use efficiency.

Effect of Seaweed Extract Application Rate and Method on Growth, Flowering and Yield of Pansy (Viola x wittrockiana)

Pansies, part of the Viola genus, are vibrant flowers with velvety petals and a distinct center blotch. They are popular as ornamental plants due to their colorful appearance. Seaweed extract, derived from various types of seaweed or marine algae, is utilized in agriculture, gardening, and skincare. Seaweed is nutrient-rich, containing essential macro and micronutrients, making seaweed extract a valuable natural fertilizer to enhance plant growth and health. Therefore, present investigation was carried during the Winter-2022-23 with a view to determine the effect of seaweed extract application on pansy variety Majestic Giant Mix for its growth, flowering, yield. The study was examined using completely randomized block design. From the present investigation, it is concluded that treatment T4 i.e., application of Sea weed extract @ 4ml/l as drench application found superior in terms of plant height (16.00 cm), plant spread (17.56), number of branches per plant (28.81), days taken for first flower opening (30.00), days taken for 50% flowering (58.33), stalk length (8.60 cm), flower diameter (7.83) number of leaves (43.33), number of flowers per plant (38.88) and seed yield per plant (3.00g).

Deficit Irrigation with Ascophyllum nodosum Extract Application as a Strategy to Increase Tomato Yield and Quality

Deficit irrigation is applied to several agricultural crops as a water-saving irrigation strategy. The tomato plant is sensitive to water stress; however, integration with biostimulant applications, based on seaweed extracts, could be a strategy for plants adapting to this abiotic condition. The objective of this study was to evaluate agronomic and quality aspects of tomato cultivated under deficit irrigation combined with Ascophyllum nodosum extract (ANE) application. The experiment was conducted using a completely randomized design with two water replacement levels, 70 and 100% of crop evapotranspiration (ETc), and five doses of ANE (0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3 and 0.4%) applied via soil drench. The interaction between ANE and ETc was significant (p < 0.05) in terms of plant growth, physiological parameters, fruit yield, yield components and fruit quality. Results indicated that when the tomato plant is under deficit irrigation, a higher ANE dose is required to achieve better development when compared to the 100% ETc condition, where the dose is lower. Under deficit irrigation, the largest fruit yield was obtained with 0.3 and 0.4% ANE, and with 100% ETc, the largest fruit yield was obtained with 0.2% ANE. ANE applications were also effective in increasing plant height, stem diameter, plant biomass, leaf area, chlorophyll and relative water content. In addition, tomato quality was also favored under deficit irrigation and seaweed extract application. We conclude that ANE applications attenuate water deficit effects in tomato plants and provide a strategy to ameliorate tomato yield, tomato quality and water use in agriculture.

Effect of Seaweed Extracts on Crop Growth and Soil: A Review

Seaweed is the common name for countless species of marine plants and algae that grow in the ocean. The seaweed cultivated by bamboo raft, tube mesh and stone method and harvested generally by acid, alkali and water extraction. However, the mostly commercially available in market, which is extracted by processing of bio refinery method. These seaweeds consist of 80-90% moisture. The dry seaweed extracts contains 50% carbohydrates, protein 10-47% with high proportions of essential amino acids, 1-3% lipids and 7-38% minerals. The essential nutrients contain in seaweeds are nitrogen, potassium, phosphorous, calcium, magnesium, sulphur, iron, sodium, zinc, and copper. Seaweed extracts are available in market viz, Sagarika, Kelp, Sea Secret, Sivarika, Solumax, Biovita etc. The soil application of liquid seaweed extracts through drip @ 0.5-1 L-1 water and foliar @ 2-5 ml L‑1 of water at various critical growth stages of different crops. The application granules of seaweed were recommended @10-20 kg acre-1 during sowing or standing crops. The application of seaweed extracts either through drip or direct application to soil at lower concentrations were positively impact on germination, shoot growth, root growth, nutrient use efficiency, soil properties, soil microbes, biotic stress, abiotic stress and crop yields.

Improvement of rooting and growth in kiwifruit (Actinidia deliciosa) cuttings with organic biostimulants

Seaweed extracts have shown profoundly positive effects on crop growth, quality and reproduction in diverse agricultural and horticultural crops. Seaweed extracts can be used to promote the rooting and growth of cuttings in perennial fruit species like kiwifruit (Actinidia deliciosa). In this study, the cuttings were treated with 1, 5, 10 and 50% solutions of G Sap (Gracilaria edulis), K Sap (Kappaphycus alvarezii), AN (Ascophyllum nodosum), EM (Ecklonia maxima), HA (Humic acid) and control (water) for 6 h as base dipping. Subsequently, the treatments of G Sap, K Sap, AN, EM, HA and control were repeated every 15 days for a period of six months as application of 50 ml solutions in the potted cuttings. All the treatments exhibited significant effects on the rooting percent in all the kiwifruit cultivars, namely ‘Monty’, ‘Abott’, ‘Hayward’, ‘Allison’ and ‘Bruno’ (P ≤ 0.01) as compared to the control. Shoot and root growth parameters including leaf number per cutting, number of roots per cutting, number of branches, plant height, shoot diameter, root length, root diameter and root weight were all positively increased with the application of seaweed extracts (P ≤ 0.05). Cuttings treated with seaweed extract exhibited significantly higher levels of pigments (chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b and total carotenoids), metabolites (total carbohydrates and soluble phenols) and less electrolyte leakage as compared to the control cuttings. Significant positive and negative correlations were observed between biochemical parameters combined with plant nutrient concentration. Principal component analysis (PCA) revealed that PC1 and PC2 (first two principal components) accounted for 75% of the entire variation. While, PC1 accounted for 63% of the total variation, PC2 accounted for 11% of the total variation. The leaves and the roots of kiwifruit cultivar ‘Hayward’ treated with G Sap at 10%, K Sap at 10%, AN at 10%, EM at 10%, HA at 10% exhibited higher expression of all four root promoting candidate genes (GH3-3, LBD16, LBD29 and LRP1) compared to the control. Therefore, it can be concluded that, seaweed extract and humic acid can be used as a suitable alternative to synthetic hormones for promoting the rooting and growth of kiwifruit cuttings.

Biostimulant red seaweed (Gracilaria tenuistipitata var. liui) extracts spray improves yield and drought tolerance in soybean.

Drought has a deleterious impact on the growth, physiology, and yield of various plants, including soybean. Seaweed extracts are rich in various bioactive compounds, including antioxidants, and can be used as biostimulants for improving yield and alleviating the adverse effect of drought stress. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of soybean growth and yield with different concentrations (0.0%, 5.0%, and 10.0% v/v) of water extracts of the red seaweed Gracilaria tenuistipitata var. liui under well-watered (80% of field capacity (FC) and drought (40% of FC)) conditions. Drought stress decreased soybean grain yield by 45.58% compared to well-watered circumstances but increased the water saturation deficit by 37.87%. It also decreased leaf water, chlorophyll content, plant height, and the fresh weight of the leaf, stem, and petiole. Drought stress decreased soybean grain yield by 45.58% compared to well-watered circumstances but increased the water saturation deficit by 37.87%. It also decreased leaf water, chlorophyll content, plant height, and the fresh weight of the leaf, stem, and petiole. Under both drought and well-watered situations, foliar application of seaweed extracts dramatically improved soybean growth and production. Under drought and well-watered situations, 10.0% seaweed extract increased grain yield by 54.87% and 23.97%, respectively in comparison to untreated plants. The results of this study suggest that red seaweed extracts from Gracilaria tenuistipitata var. liui may be used as a biostimulant to improve soybean yield and drought tolerance in the presence of insufficient water. However, the actual mechanisms behind these improvements need to be further investigated in field conditions.

Influence of Foliar Application of Seaweed Extract and Humic Acid on Growth, Yield and Quality of Strawberry (Fragaria × ananasa Duch) cv. Winter Dawn

The present investigation entitled “Influence of foliar spraying of Seaweed extract and Humic acid on growth, yield and quality of Strawberry (Fragaria × ananasa duch) cv. Winter dawn” was carried out in the Department of Horticulture, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture Technology & Sciences Prayagraj. This experiment was conducted from November 2022 to March 2023. This experiment was conducted to evaluate the best treatment combination of Seaweed Extract and Humic acid concentration for producing the best quality strawberry. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Design having 9 treatments and replicated 3 times. The T9 (SWE @ 8000ppm + Humic acid @ 3.0 g/L) recorded highest values in terms of growth parameters i.e. number of leaves (7.83, 15.58, 23.66, 30.08), plant height (7.88, 12.21, 15.25, 18.06), plant spread (13.38 E-W, 13.41 N-S; 15.4 E-W, 15.43 N-S; 21.55 E-W, 21.01 N-S; 24.44 E-W, 24.45 N-S) at different stages of growth i.e 30, 60, 90, and 120 days after planting as compared to T1 (control) and all other treatments. Plant treatment T9 also recorded earliest flowering (48.42 days) and earliest fruiting (70.42). Fruit weight (30.84g), fruit length (5.84cm) and diameter (4.05cm) were found superior followed by T8 (SWE @ 7000ppm + Humic acid @ 3.0 g/L). Higher yield (343.52g) and higher number fruits per pant (20.66) were observed in T9 and the lower yield and less number of fruits per plant in T1 (control). In Fruit quality characters, higher TSS (11.13ᴼB), lower acidity (0.58%) and high amount of ascorbic acid (60.16 mg/100 g) was observed in T9 followed by T8. Higher concentrations of seaweed extract and humic acid have been found to have a more significant positive impact on the yield quality of strawberries, demonstrating their superiority in enhancing crop productivity.

Application of seaweed extracts to mitigate biotic and abiotic stresses in plants.

Agriculture sector is facing a lot of constraints such as climate change, increasing population and the use of chemicals, and fertilizers which have significant influence on sustainability. The excessiveusage of chemical fertilizers and pesticides has created a significant risk to humans, animals, plants, and the environment. To reduce the dependency on chemical fertilizers and pesticides a biological-based alternative is required. Seaweeds are essential marine resources that contain bioactive compounds and they have several uses in agriculture. The use of seaweed extracts in agriculture can mitigate stress, enhance nutrient efficiency, and boost plant growth. The use of seaweed extracts and their components activate several signaling pathways and defense-related genes/enzymes. In this review, an attempt has been made to explain how seaweed extracts and their bioactive components induce tolerance and promote growth under stress conditions.

Holistic understanding of the response of grapevines to foliar application of seaweed extracts.

Viticulture is highly dependent on phytochemicals to maintain good vineyard health. However, to reduce their accumulation in the environment, green regulations are driving the development of eco-friendly strategies. In this respect, seaweeds have proven to be one of the marine resources with the highest potential as plant protective agents, representing an environmentally-friendly alternative approach for sustainable wine production. The current work follows an interdisciplinary framework to evaluate the capacity of Ulva ohnoi and Rugulopteryx okamurae seaweeds to induce defense mechanisms in grapevine plants. To our knowledge, this is the first study to evaluate Rugulopteryx okamurae as a biostimulator . This macroalgae is relevant since it is an invasive species on the Atlantic and Mediterranean coast causing incalculable economic and environmental burdens. Four extracts (UL1, UL2, RU1 and RU2 developed from Ulva and Rugulopteryx, respectively) were foliar applied to Tempranillo plants cultivated under greenhouse conditions. UL1 and RU2 stood out for their capacity to induce defense genes, such as a PR10, PAL, STS48 and GST1, mainly 24 hours after the first application. The increased expression level of these genes agreed with i) an increase in trans-piceid and trans-resveratrol content, mainly in the RU2 treated leaves, and, ii) an increase in jasmonic acid and decrease in salicylic acid. Moreover, an induction of the activity of the antioxidant enzymes was observed at the end of the experiment, with an increase in superoxide dismutase and catalase in the RU2-treated leaves in particular. Interestingly, while foliar fungal diversity was not influenced by the treatments, alga extract amendment modified fungal composition, RU2 application enriching the content of various groups known for their biocontrol activity. Overall, the results evidenced the capacity of Rugulopteryx okamurae for grapevine biostimulation, inducing the activation of several secondary metabolite pathways and promoting the abundance of beneficial microbiota involved in grapevine protection. While further studies are needed to unravel the bioactive compound(s) involved, including conducting field experiments etc., the current findings are the first steps towards the inclusion of Rugulopteryx okamurae in a circular scheme that would reduce its accumulation on the coast and benefit the viticulture sector at the same time.

Seaweed extract enhances drought resistance in sugarcane via modulating root configuration and soil physicochemical properties

Seaweed extract is widely used in sustainable agricultural management and can promote sugarcane growth even under low-water availability conditions. However, to date, little information has been gained regarding the role of seaweed extract in regulating sugarcane root configuration and soil physicochemical properties under drought conditions. In this study, the effects of seaweed extract on soil physicochemical properties of sugarcane were studied by soil culture experiments, and the effects of seaweed extract on root architecture of different sugarcane varieties “YT03–393” (drought-sensitive variety) and “cv. ROC22” (drought-resistant variety) were explored by hydroponic experiments. The results revealed that the application of seaweed extract increased the proportion of aggregates > 0.25 mm in the soil and increased the moisture content of the soil under water deficiency conditions. Furthermore, the seaweed extract application increased the activities of urease, sucrase, acid phosphatase, and glucosidase in soil and increased the soil contents of available nutrients such as N, P, and K. Under drought stress, seaweed extract promoted root growth in deeper soil. The proportions of root dry weight and root length density in the soil of 20–40 cm depth increased by 45.0% and 9.8%, and 38.3% and 8.9% in cv. YT03–393 and cv. ROC22, respectively. Additionally, seaweed extract application improved the activities of antioxidant enzymes, including SOD, CAT, and POD, in roots and alleviated the oxidative damage of roots caused by drought stress. It can be concluded that seaweed extract application can improve soil physical structure, promote enzyme activities, and increase the available N, P, and K of the soil. Furthermore, seaweed extract can promote root growth, change root architecture, and improve the water use efficiency of roots, thus improving drought resistance of sugarcane plants.

Biostimulant enhances growth and corm production of saffron (Crocus sativus L.) in non-traditional areas of North western Himalayas.

The usage of seaweed extracts in cropping systems is gaining attention nowadays due to their distinct bioactive properties. This study aims to assess how saffron (Crocus sativus L.) corm production was affected by seaweed extract through different application modes. The study was conducted at the CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology, Palampur, HP, India, during the autumn-winter agricultural cycle. Five treatments using a combination of Kappaphycus and Sargassum seaweed extracts were replicated five times in a randomized block design. Treatments that were examined include T1: Control, T2: Corm dipping @ 5% seaweed extract, T3: Foliar spray @ 5% seaweed extract, T4: Drenching @ 5% seaweed extract, and T5: Corm dipping + foliar spray @ 5% seaweed extract. Seaweed extract, when applied to saffron plants (T5: Corm dipping + foliar spray @ 5% seaweed extract) resulted in significantly higher growth parameters along with the higher dry weight of stem, leaves, corms, and total roots per corm. Corm production, viz., the number of daughter corms and corm weight per m2 was significantly affected by seaweed extract application, with the maximum value recorded with treatment T5. Biochemical parameters chlorophyll, carotenoids, and photosynthetic rate were higher in T5, while nutrient concentration was lowest in this treatment. Seaweed extracts improved corm production, making it a feasible alternative to limiting the application of conventional fertilizers, attenuating the effects on the environment, and enhancing corm number and weight.

Ecklonia maxima-derivate seaweed extract supply as mitigation strategy to alleviate drought stress in chicory plants

Extreme climatic conditions have a severe repercussion on agriculture and on food availability. Ecological means to overcome drought are important to improve agroecosystems sustainability and resilience. The use of an Ecklonia maxima-derivate seaweed extract (SwE) as a tool to mitigate drought constrain in chicory plants grown in greenhouse was evaluated. Plants were cultivated in plastic pots filled with peat and subjected to drought stress by retaining moisture range at 90–100% of water holding capacity (WHC) [well-watered (WW)], 60–70% WHC [moderate drought stress (MDS)] or 30–40% WHC [severe drought stress (SDS)]. Drought stress decreased plant growth traits and yield. However, in plants supplied with SwE, head fresh mass was 7.6% higher than control. Water constrain reduced relative water content (RWC), whereas, SwE improved RWC when plants were exposed to drought. Moreover, water use efficiency (WUE) increased as drought intensity increased and plants exposed to drought significantly improved WUE when supplied with SwE. Drought stress intensity linearly reduced nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) in plants exposed to MDS and SDS, compared with WW plants. SwE application enhanced NUE by 7.7% compared with control plants. Exposing chicory plants to drought stress resulted in a significantly higher N and Mg concentration compared to WW plants. Conversely, drought reduced P and K in leaf tissues. SwE supply increased P, K, Ca and Mg content, whereas reduced N. Chlorophyll was reduced by drought, while SwE supply increased its concentration. Sugars increased as drought stress intensity increased. Water constrain enhanced malondialdehyde, especially in SwE non-treated plants. Drought stress improved proline and total polyphenols in plants supplied with SwE. Biostimulated plants grown under WW or MDS conditions showed higher ascorbic acid level than those exposed to SDS and non-biostimulated. The study proved that SwE application is a useful practice to mitigate drought in chicory plants, safeguarding yield and quality features.

Effect of foliar application of bio-stimulants on growth, yield and nutritional quality of broccoli.

Broccoli is one of important cole crop grown all over the world due to its unique nutritional profile consumed fresh as well as processed. It contains a wide range of nutrients, vitamins, minerals and specific anti-cancer compounds such as glucosinolates. Broccoli cultivation in Pakistan is increasing rapidly, however, till now there is no standardized cropping technology for broccoli cultivation under local climate. Considering research gap (lack of suitable varieties, poor growth, and unavailability of optimized crop technology), trial was conducted at Vegetable research area, Institute of Horticultural Sciences, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad to evaluate the impact of bio-stimulants on different broccoli cultivars under local climatic conditions. The set of experimental treatments was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. Pre-harvest application of Isabion and Seaweed extract significantly enhanced the plant height (11%), dry weight (4%), leaf area (7%), and yield plant-1 (5%). Moreover, Isabion and seaweed extract application led to the increase in antioxidant enzymes i.e., superoxide dismutase (18%), peroxidase (38%) and catalase (12%). In crux, the foliar application of bio-stimulants (Isabion and seaweed extract) on broccoli enhanced the growth, yield, and contents of antioxidant enzymes.