Ecklonia Maxima Extract Research Articles

A methylene blue assay for the quantification of fucoidan – A specific application for seaweed extracts

Fucoidan is a fucose-rich sulfated polysaccharide found mainly in brown seaweeds. Fucoidan has recently gained much attention due to its bioactive and medicinal properties, hence its high potential to be utilized in the pharmaceutical industry. Therefore, an accurate, reliable, and simple method for the specific determination of fucoidan would be a useful tool when looking to recover this valuable polysaccharide. This research focused on developing an assay utilizing the thiazine dye, methylene blue, for the quantification of fucoidan, with a specific application for fucoidan found in algal extracts. Fucoidan could be specifically determined at pH 1, to maximum concentrations of 4 g L-1 in solution without the interference of alginate and other seaweed extract contaminants. At pH 7 and 11, quantification of fucoidan led to interference from alginate and gallic acid. A conversion factor of 1.8 allowed the quantification of fucoidan from Ecklonia maxima extracts using a commercial standard from Fucus vesiculosis. An Ecklonia maxima extract was found to contain 5.47 ± 0.061 g L-1 of fucoidan. Measuring the fucoidan and L-fucose concentration in crude seaweed extract through the methylene blue assay and modified Dische and Shettles J Biol Chem 175:595–603, (1948) method, respectively, confirmed the accuracy and specificity of the method. The limit of quantification of the methylene blue assay at pH 1 was 0.62 g L-1 of fucoidan.

Novel sustainable strategies to control Plasmopara viticola in grapevine unveil new insights on priming responses and arthropods ecology.

Reduction of fungicide consumption in agriculture is globally recognized as a priority. Government authorities are fostering research to achieve a reduction of risks associated with conventional pesticides and promoting the development of sustainable alternatives. To address these issues, in the present study, alternative protocols for the control of downy mildew infection in grapevine were compared to the standard protocol. In the first protocol, only resistance inducers were used, comprising a single formulation with Acibenzolar S-methyl, laminarin and disodium-phosphonate. The second and third protocols followed the standard protocol but substituted phosphonates with phosphorus pentoxide and Ecklonia maxima extract. The results showed that at veraison downy mildew incidence and severity in all tested protocols were significantly reduced compared to nontreated controls on both canopy and bunches. Expression analysis of key genes involved in plant stress response, indicated that the two protocols for phosphites substitution induced a remodulation of salicylic acid (SA) and jasmonic acid (JA), with positive impact on yields. Analysis of the first protocol revealed that the primed state induced a short delay in bunch ripening, with a shift of carbohydrate metabolism to boost the plant defences, involving an upregulation of defence related-gene, SAR response and a decreased ROS detoxification. Additionally, analysis on the arthropods populations, in parallel with the positive results achieved using alternatives to conventional fungicides, were enriched by those showing the potential of naturally occurring predators of spider mites. This study provides practical solutions to reduce the environmental impact of treatments for the control downy mildew in viticulture. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.

Microorganisms and Biostimulants Impact on the Antioxidant Activity of Buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench) Sprouts.

The study analyzes the influence of plant growth promoters and biological control agents on the chemical composition and antioxidant activity (AA) in the sprouts of buckwheat. The AA of cv. Kora sprouts was higher than cv. Panda, with 110.0 µM Fe2+/g (FRAP—Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power), 52.94 µM TRX (Trolox)/g (DPPH—1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl), 182.7 µM AAE (Ascorbic Acid Equivalent)/g (Photochemiluminescence—PCL—ACW—Water-Soluble Antioxidant Capacity) and 1.250 µM TRX/g (PCL—ACL—Lipid-Soluble Antioxidant Capacity). The highest AA was found in the sprouts grown from seeds soaked in Ecklonia maxima extract and Pythium oligandrum (121.31 µM Fe2+/g (FRAP), 56.33 µM TRX/g (DPPH), 195.6 µM AAE/g (PCL—ACW) and 1.568 µM TRX/g (PCL—ACL). These values show that the antioxidant potential of buckwheat sprouts is essentially due to the predominant hydrophilic fraction of antioxidants. The AA of the sprouts was strongly correlated with total polyphenol content.

Changes in Biochemistry and Yield in Response to Biostimulants Applied in Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)

Biostimulants are preparations that favorably impact the growth, development, and yield of plants. The research objective was to examine the effect of the frequency of use of Kelpak, Terra Sorb Complex and Fylloton biostimulants on improving the yield and nutritional properties of beans. Been seeds (variety Oczko) were sown in the first week of May in 2015, 2016, and 2017. During the growing season, Fylloton (1%), Terra Sorb Complex (0.5%), and Kelpak (1%) biostimulants were applied by single (BBCH 12-13) and double spraying of plants (BBCH 12-13, BBCH 61). All variants of treatment with biostimulants were compared with the control. Single application of Kelpak had a positive effect on increasing the number of pods. The double application of Kelpak increased the number and yield of seeds and protein contents. Double application of Fylloton increased the number of seeds, and application of Terra Sorb Complex increased the protein content in the beans. Application of all biostimulants increased the flavonoid content. Biostimulants containing seaweed (Kelpak–Ecklonia maxima extract) or amino-acid extracts (Fylloton–Ascophyllum nodosum extract and amino acids or Terra Sorb Complex–amino acids) increased the seed yield, while improving its quality by increasing the content of protein, polyphenols, and flavonoids. It was found that the double application of Kelpak biostimulant stimulated the yield and quality of beans to a greater extent.

Effect of Ecklonia maxima extract on photosynthesis activity and chlorophyll content of Medicago × varia Martyn leaves

Recently, there is a big interest in science to use seaweed extract in agricultural practice. Therefore, the aim of this paper was to determine the effect of foliar application of Ecklonia maxima extract on photosynthetic activity and chlorophyll content of Medicago ×varia Martyn leaves. The experimental factor was a commercial product containing E. maxima extract (Em). The following parameters were determined: maximum photosystem II efficiency (Fv/Fm) in the dark-adapted state, actual photosystem II efficiency in the light-adapted state (∆F/Fm’), the photochemical quenching coefficient (qP), the non-photochemical quenching coefficient (qN), chlorophyll content determination. The Fisher-Snedecor test was used to determine whether the impact of experimental factor was significant, while the value of the HSD0.05 was calculated with Tukey’s test. As a reaction to the particular conditions during the experiment alfalfa treated with Em had a better efficiency of the photosynthetic apparatus in relation to the control. Algae extract used on hybrid alfalfa leaves caused a 12.4% increase of Fv/Fm parameter, from 0.565 on the control to 0.635. The value of the actual efficiency of photosystem II (∆F/Fm) determined under the same conditions turned out to be about 20% higher for plants treated with the extract. Chlorophyll a and b concentration, as a response to the extract, increased by 12% and 16.7%, respectively. The experiment showed that periods of rainfall shortages did not reverse the effect of the extract on plants, with an increase in chlorophyll a and b content during the growing seasons with dry and extremely dry months.

Effect of algae Ecklonia maxima extract (Kelpak SL) on yields of common wheat, durum wheat and spelt wheat

The 3-year experiment was concerned with the response of spring forms of common wheat (Triticum aestivum L. subsp. aestivum), durum wheat (Triticum durum Desf.) and spelt wheat (Triticum aestivum subsp. spelta L. em. Thell.) to the foliar application of a plant growth stimulant (extract from marine algae Ecklonia maxima), with the commercial name of Kelpak SL (GS), as compared to control treatment (C). The following parameters were analysed: yield of grain, yield components (number of ears, weight of 1000 kernels, number and weight of kernels per ear) and physical indicators of grain quality (test weight, uniformity and vitreosity of grain). The study showed that the level of yielding and the yield components were related primarily with the wheat genotype, but they depended also on the agro-climatic conditions and on the algae extract and control experimental treatments. The application of algae extract, compared to the control, caused a significant increase in the yields of the spring wheat species under study, on average by 7.0%. Canopy spraying with algae extract had a favourable effect on the number of ears, on he number and weight of kernels per ear, but it had no effect on the weight of 1000 kernels. The grain quality of durum wheat, spelt wheat and common wheat was affected more strongly by the weather conditions in the successive years of the study and by the genotype than by the foliar application of algae extract. The spelt genotypes were characterised by lower yields and lower grain quality than common wheat and the durum wheat genotypes.

Morphological and Biochemical Responses of Glycine max (L.) Merr. to the Use of Seaweed Extract

Currently, modern agriculture aims to improve the quantity and quality of crop yield, while minimizing the negative impact of treatments on the natural environment. One of the methods to increase plant yield and quality, especially after the occurrence of both abiotic or biotic stress factors, is the application of biostimulants. The aim of the study was to determine the effect of Ecklonia maxima extract on plant growth, and the yield, nutritional, and nutraceutical properties of soybean seeds. A field experiment was conducted in three growing seasons (2014–2016). Soybean seeds of Atlanta cultivar were sown in the third 10-day period of April. Ecklonia maxima extract was applied in the form of single or double, spraying in the concentrations of 0.7% and 1.0%. Determinations were conducted for: biometric traits, seed yield, seed number, thousand seeds weight, contents of lipids, and proteins in seeds. Further analyses included the contents of total polyphenols, flavonoids, anthocyanins, and reducing power. The number of seaweed extract applications and its concentration modified biometric traits, yield, and quality of crop, while also also altering the nutraceutical and antioxidative potential of soybean. The application of this preparation improved the growth and yield of soybean without any negative effect on the nutritive value of seeds.

Effects of seaweed extract on yield and protein content of two common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) cultivars

An experiment was conducted to investigate into the effects of Ecklonia maxima extract (Kelpak SL) on yield, protein and ash contents of two bean cultivars. The study was carried out in 2012 - 2014 in Poland. During the growing season, 0.2% and 0.4% solutions of the bio-stimulant were applied by single and double spraying of plants against a control. The highest number and weight of grains were found when the plants of ‘Toska’ cultivar were single sprayed with 0.2% seaweed extract. Double spraying the plants with the 0.4% solution of Kelpak SL increased the number, its weight and the number of pods in cultivar ‘Aura’. The application of Kelpak SL increased protein content of grains in both bean cultivars. Higher the dose the double foliar application of the bio-stimulant, more was the ash content of the grain of plants of ‘Toska’ cultivar.

The effect of Ecklonia maxima extract on Medicago X Varia T. Martyn biomass

The effect of Ecklonia maxima extract on Medicago X Varia T. Martyn biomass

Enhancement of yield, nutritional and nutraceutical properties of two common bean cultivars following the application of seaweed extract (Ecklonia maxima)

In the present study, application of Ecklonia maxima extract (Kelpak SL – a water soluble concentrate) was optimized and its impact on yield, nutraceutical and nutritional potential of Phaseolus vulgaris L. (var. Aura and Toska) was measured. The study was carried out in 2012 and 2013 in Poland. During the growing season, 0.2% and 0.4% solution of Kelpak SL was applied by single and double spraying of plants. These four treatments with Kelpak SL were compared with the control, where no biostimulator was applied. Kelpak SL treatments stimulated the yield of both cultivars studied. The application of E. maxima extract had no effect on the content of starch, free sugars or proteins in seeds of either of the tested cultivars. The highest level of phenolics was found for double sprayed Toska plants. All the tested variants of Kelpak SL application significantly increased the content of anthocyanins in the seeds. Also, both the reducing power and antiradical ability of Aura seeds were elevated in all the studied treatments. E. maxima extract is a natural, environmentally friendly and safe preparation increasing the yield and nutraceutical quality of beans without any negative effect on their nutritional quality.

MORPHO-CHEMICAL DIVERSITY IN FESTUCA PRATENSIS AND LOLIUM PERENNE DEPENDING ON CONCENTRATIONS OF ECKLONIA MAXIMA EXTRACT

The aim of the research was to determine the relationship between application of various concentrations of Ecklonia maxima extract and development of some morphological features, the SAD index as well as selected organic compound content in Festuca pratensis and Lolium perenne. The experiment was replicated three times and the following concentrations of the extract were used: control, 0.04, 0.4, 4.0 and 40%. 40 days after the extract was sprayed on the plants the following measurements were taken: the number of shoots, the length of leaf blades, the width of the leaf base, the relative chlorophyll index SPAD, and the amount of biomass. The content of protein compounds, simple sugars, lignin, cellulose and hemicellulose were determined after the harvest. The research showed that there was a relationship between a higher concentration of the extract and a higher number of shoots, longer leaf blades and an increase in their width. In consequence of those changes the amount of biomass also increased. The plants sprayed with higher doses of extract had a higher SPAD index, a higher concentration of both protein compounds and simple sugars, and a lower concentration of cellulose, lignin and hemicellulose.

The effect of seaweed Ecklonia maxima extract and mineral nitrogen on fodder grass chemical composition.

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of the biostimulant Kelpak and different nitrogen rates on cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin contents as well as non-structural carbohydrates in orchard grass and Braun’s festulolium. The experiment was a split-plot arrangement with three replicates. It was set up at the experimental facility of the University of Natural Sciences and Humanities, Siedlce, in late April 2009. The following factors were examined: biostimulant with the trade name Kelpak SL applied at 2 dm3 ha−1 and a control—no biostimulant; nitrogen application rates 50 and 150 kg ha−1 and a control (0 kg ha−1); pure stands of grass species grown in monoculture—orchard grass (Dactylis glomerata), cv. Amila,—Braun’s festulolium (Festulolium braunii), cv. Felopa. Kelpak significantly increased non-structural carbohydrates, and increasing nitrogen rates reduced the concentration of these components in plants. Increasing nitrogen rates significantly decreased cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin and non-structural carbohydrate contents. Compared with orchard grass, Braun’s festulolium proved to be of a higher nutritional value due to lower cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin contents and more non-structural carbohydrates. The aforementioned contents in the grasses differed significantly depending on the cut. Most cellulose and non-structural carbohydrates were determined in second-cut grass whereas most hemicellulose and lignin in second-cut grass.

The Effect of Natural Growth Regulators Obtained from Ecklonia Maxima and Mineral Nitrogen on True Protein and Simple Sugar Contents of Dactylis Glom

The objective of the study was to evaluate the effect of the biostimulant Kelpak on true protein and simple sugar contents of Dactylis glomerata and Festulolium braunii at different nitrogen rates. A field experiment was set up as a randomised sub-block design (split-split-plot) with three replicates. The following factors were ha-1, pure-sown grass species and cultivars (monoculture). Protein compounds and simple sugars were determined in the dry matter of plants, and a carbohydrate/protein ratio was calculated. The Ecklonia maxima extract significantly increased true protein and simple sugar contents as well as the sugar/protein ratio in the tested plants. Nitrogen rates significantly influenced protein and sugar contents in the dry matter of Dactylis glomerata and Festulolium braunii. The carbohydrate/protein ratio averaged 1.07 and was within the range of values which are believed to be optimal for ruminants