Nodosum Extract Research Articles

Ascophyllum nodosum Extract Improves Olive Performance Under Water Deficit Through the Modulation of Molecular and Physiological Processes.

The olive tree is well adapted to the Mediterranean climate, but how orchards based on intensive practices will respond to increasing drought is unknown. This study aimed to determine if the application of a commercial biostimulant improves olive tolerance to drought. Potted plants (cultivars Arbequina and Galega) were pre-treated with an extract of Ascophyllum nodosum (four applications, 200 mL of 0.50 g/L extract per plant), and were then well irrigated (100% field capacity) or exposed to water deficit (50% field capacity) for 69 days. Plant height, photosynthesis, water status, pigments, lipophilic compounds, and the expression of stress protective genes (OeDHN1-protective proteins' dehydrin; OePIP1.1-aquaporin; and OeHSP18.3-heat shock proteins) were analyzed. Water deficit negatively affected olive physiology, but the biostimulant mitigated these damages through the modulation of molecular and physiological processes according to the cultivar and irrigation. A. nodosum benefits were more expressive under water deficit, particularly in Galega, promoting height (increase of 15%) and photosynthesis (increase of 34%), modulating the stomatal aperture through the regulation of OePIP1.1 expression, and keeping OeDHN1 and OeHSP18.3 upregulated to strengthen stress protection. In both cultivars, biostimulant promoted carbohydrate accumulation and intrinsic water-use efficiency (iWUE). Under good irrigation, biostimulant increased energy availability and iWUE in Galega. These data highlight the potential of this biostimulant to improve olive performance, providing higher tolerance to overcome climate change scenarios. The use of this biostimulant can improve the establishment of younger olive trees in the field, strengthen the plant's capacity to withstand field stresses, and lead to higher growth and crop productivity.

Morphological traits, yield, antioxidant activity and essential oil composition of oregano as affected by biostimulant foliar applications

Biostimulants are interesting products which can promote the plant growth and improve its qualitative traits. In this research, the effects of foliar applications of four biostimulants on oregano (Origanum vulgare L.) crop have been investigated by evaluating morphological parameters, fresh and dry yield, antioxidant activity, total phenolic content, and chemical composition of essential oil. The highest plant height (78 cm), inflorescence height (22.2 cm), inflorescences+leaves dry yield (0.5 t ha−1), dry matter yield (38.3 %) and essential oil yield (3.4 %) were obtained in plants treated with biostimulant BlueN®, composted of Methylobacterium symbioticum SB23. Plants treated with Acadian MPE®, containing vitamins, amino acids and proteins, and betaines, showed the highest total phenolic content (60.3 GAE mg mL−1). The combination of 21 traits with principal component analysis (PCA) allowed to discriminate the biostimulant Biostimol Plus plus Peptamin-V Plus®, based on Ascophyllum nodosum extract and other elements as nitrogen, carbon, manganese, zinc and iron chelates, in a correlated way with p-cymene, α-thujene, α-terpinene, β-myrcene contents, showing values significantly higher. The heat-map identified two main clusters where the treatments with biostimulants were clearly separated from the control. Biostimulant treatments influenced the chemical composition of essential oil by increasing the number of components, monoterpene hydrocarbons and sesquiterpene hydrocarbons contents. Therefore, biostimulants can play an important role with a view to sustainable oregano cultivation by representing a safe source of nitrogen and especially for organic farming.

A Plant biostimulant prepared from Ascophyllum nodosum Induces Flowering by Regulating the MIR156-mediated Age Pathway in Arabidopsis.

Flowering, the change from vegetative development to the reproductive phase, represents a crucial and intricate stage in the life cycle of plants, which is tightly controlled by both internal and external factors. In this study, we investigated the effect of Ascophyllum nodosum extract (ANE) on the flowering time of Arabidopsis. We found that a 0.1% concentration of ANE induced flowering in Arabidopsis, accompanied by the upregulation of key flowering time genes: FT (FLOWERING LOCUS T), SOC1 (SUPPRESSOR OF OVEREXPRESSION OF CONSTANS 1), and LFY (LEAFY). Further investigation showed that ANE specifically promotes flowering through the MIR156-mediated age pathway. ANE treatment resulted in the repression of negative regulator genes, MIR156, while simultaneously enhancing the expression of positive regulator genes, including SPLs and MIR172. This, in turn, led to the downregulation of AP2-like genes, which are known as floral repressors. It is worth noting that ANE did not alleviate the late flowering phenotype of MIR156-overexpressing plants and spl mutants. Furthermore, ANE-derived fucoidan mimics the function of sugars in regulating MIR156, closely mirroring the effects induced by ANE treatments. It suppresses the transcript levels of MIR156 and AP2-like genes while inducing those of SPLs and MIR172, thereby reinforcing the involvement of fucoidan in the control of flowering by ANE. In summary, our results demonstrate that ANE induces flowering by modulating the MIR156-SPL module within the age pathway, and this effect is mediated by fucoidan.

Impact of Ascophyllum nodosum extract on rice (Oryza sativa L.): Enhancing grain filling, quality dynamics and economic viability

Impact of Ascophyllum nodosum extract on rice (Oryza sativa L.): Enhancing grain filling, quality dynamics and economic viability

Feed supplementation with the seaweed (Ascophllum Nodosum) extract reduces fat deposition in broiler chickens

In poultry industry, the strategies for elevating of protein accretion with minimizing fat deposition have been applied, and seaweed algae has been focused one of the potential candidates. Accordingly, the purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of algae (Ascophllum Nodosum) extract (AE) on the growth performance and body composition of broiler chickens. A total of 240 one-day-old Ross 308 broiler chickens were allotted to 4 dietary treatment groups and fed experimental diets containing different concentrations of AE for 35 d as follows: 0 mg/kg (control, CON), 1,250 mg/kg (LAE), 2,500 mg/kg (MAE), or 5,000 mg/kg (HAE). At the end of the experiment, 40 chickens were sacrificed and samples of their blood, breast muscle, liver, and abdominal fat were collected and analyzed. Growth performance was improved in the LAE group compared to that in the CON (P < 0.05). The weight of abdominal fat was lower in the HAE group than in the CON group (P < 0.05). Serum triglyceride levels were also decreased in the HAE group compared to those in the CON and LAE groups (P < 0.05). Adipocytes were smaller in the HAE group than in all other treatments, and their size distribution was shifted more towards smaller adipocytes compared to those in the LAE group (P < 0.05). Relative mRNA levels in abdominal adipose tissue of fatty acid synthase and stearyl-CoA desaturase, which are involved in fatty acid synthesis, were all downregulated by supplementation with AE (P < 0.05). In addition, the protein levels of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma were decreased and the ratio of phosphorylated acetyl-CoA carboxylase to total ACC was increased, both of which indicate that lipogenesis was suppressed (P < 0.05). Hepatic transcript levels of sterol regulatory element-binding protein and its downstream enzymes fatty acid synthase and sterol-CoA desaturase were also lower in all AE treatments compared to those in the CON group (P < 0.05). These results indicate that the seaweed algae (Ascophllum Nodosum) extract reduces fat accumulation in both adipose tissue and the liver by modulating lipogenesis.

Mitigation of salinity stress in ‘Chandler’ walnuts through the application of Ascophyllum nodosum extracts to soil: effects on growth, yield, and its impact on physical and biological soil properties

Mitigation of salinity stress in ‘Chandler’ walnuts through the application of Ascophyllum nodosum extracts to soil: effects on growth, yield, and its impact on physical and biological soil properties

Seaweed extracts elicitation improves leaf and essential oil production on Pelargonium graveolens L. Herit

ABSTRACT Little is known about the role of seaweed extracts in modulating the growth and the essential oil production in geranium [Pelargonium graveolens (L.) Herit]. Hence, this work aimed to evaluate the effects of Ascophylum nodosum (AN) and Solieria chordalis (SC) extracts on biometric, biochemical and phytochemical parameters in geranium plants. The experiment was conducted at greenhouse conditions, and seaweed extracts were applied by foliar pulverization. The obtained results revealed that seaweed extracts enhanced vegetative growth, directing it towards the production of a greater number of leaves at the expense of plant height and ramifications. Additionally, chlorophyll b, total soluble sugars and essential oil yield were increased due to seaweed extracts. The main constituents of volatile oil such as Linalool, Citronellol and iso-Menthone were not changed by seaweed extract treatments, with exception of Geraniol content which were slight reduced in SC treated plants. These results suggested that seaweed extracts may be used as an eco-friendly alternative to modulate growth and productivity of geranium.

Anti-obesity effect of seaweed algae (Ascophyllum nodosum) extracts in the 3T3-L1 cell line and a high-fat diet-induced obesity rat model

Obesity can be induced by the accumulation of adipose tissue via overconsumption of high-energy intake, and unbalanced synthesis of various hormones. Recently, seaweed algae have attracted researchers’ attention due to their health-beneficial effects, however, the antiobesity effects of Ascophyllum nososum are still controversial. We conducted two experiments with 3T3-L1 cell line and obese mouse model to elucidate the exact mechanism of seaweed algae extract (AE).In the in vivo study, dietary AE supplementation decreased body weight without affecting feed consumption. AE reduced the total mass, fat mass, and gonadal fat of the mice without changing the lean mass weight. Additionally, dietary AE addition could restore serum markers related to lipid metabolism (triglycerides and total cholesterol) as much as those of control mice.Furthermore, the in vitro study with 3T3-L1 cells suggested that AE treatment significantly suppressed adipogenesis by decreasing expression levels of lipogenesis-related genes and lipid-utilization genes with increasing the ratio of phosphorylated AMPK to AMPK and phosphorylated ACC to ACC.Collectively, Ascophyllum nodosum extract could restore obesity induced by a high-fat diet, which might be due to the decrease in lipogenesis with the increase in lipid utilization through the AMPK-ACC signaling pathway.

Can Ascophyllum nodosum extract application before or at drought stress trigger different metabolic adaptation responses in soybean plants?

Can Ascophyllum nodosum extract application before or at drought stress trigger different metabolic adaptation responses in soybean plants?

Bioestimulante de algas melhora a tolerância à salinidade e a qualidade visual de espécies herbáceas ornamentais tropicais

ABSTRACT The use of biostimulants may mitigate the deleterious effects of salt stress on plant growth and physiological variables. Thus, the present study aimed to evaluate the growth, physiology, organic solutes, and visual characteristics of two tropical ornamental species (Celosia argentea and Catharanthus roseus) cultivated with brackish waters and treated with Ascophyllum nodosum extract. The experiment was performed in greenhouse conditions. The experimental design was a complete randomized block arranged in a split-plot scheme. The plots comprised three levels of electrical conductivity of the irrigation water (ECw - 0.5, 2.5, and 4.5 dS m-1), the subplots four concentrations of algae extract (0, 400, 800, and 1200 mg L-1), and the sub-subplots two tropical ornamental herbaceous species [C. argentea and C. roseus]. The salinity of the irrigation water negatively affects the morphological and physiological characteristics of the two species studied, mainly C. roseus. Irrigation with water up to 2.5 dS m-1 favored visual quality and increased the purchasing preference for C. argentea. The use of intermediate concentrations (400 mg L-1) of algae extract (A. nodosum) promoted partial mitigation of the effects of salt stress on biomass production and leaf gas exchange, especially for C. argentea, but these positive responses decreased or disappeared with the intensification of salt stress and the increase in algae extract concentration.

Effect of weather, nitrogen fertilizer, and biostimulators on the root size and yield components of Hordeum vulgare

Abstract In this study, the effect of nitrogen doses (52, 80, 110, 140 kg/ha N) and the application of biostimulant preparations containing Ascophyllum nodosum L. algae extract were assessed. During the years 2018–2019, the influence of the preparations on the electrical capacity of the roots (C R) and yield components of spring barley was determined. Root electrical capacitance was determined in growth stages 45–50, 55–65, and 70–75 according to the BBCH-scale. The best phases of vegetation growth for the application of biostimulators with Ascophyllum nodosum extract were the barley tillering and elongation phases. This application increased C R while reducing the amount of N required to achieve similar or higher production of barley yield components compared to high N treatments. The root electrical capacitance, the number of productive tillers, and the number of grains per plant were significantly influenced (p &gt; 0.05) by the weather of the year. The number of productive tillers was closely correlated with C R (r = 0.912**) as well as the number of grains per plant (r = 0.859**) and their weight (r = 0.850**). These relationships were the highest at the beginning of the grain formation (BBCH 70–75). Foliar biostimulation was not very effective in the dry year of 2018. The problem may be the foliar application itself. The effect of foliar application is strongly dependent on weather conditions and may be ineffective in many cases. We recommend the foliar application of effective biostimulants in tillering and elongation phases. They can reduce production costs and environmental pollution by reducing the amount of fertilizer needed while maintaining yields.

Alternative products for controlling Sclerotinia sclerotiorum in vivo AND in vitro in canola crops

Products that activate plant defense mechanisms, such as white mold, may increase the disease control spectrum in canola crops as an alternative to chemical control for disease management, aiming at lower environmental impacts and selection pressure on pathogens. This study evaluated Sclerotinia sclerotiorum control and resistance induction in canola crops with alternative products. In vitro and detached leaf experiments were conducted in a laboratory, and in vivo experiments occurred in a greenhouse. High Roots®; V6®; Maxi Flor®; Wert Plus®; potassium, manganese, and copper phosphites; manganese; procymidone fungicide; and Ascophyllum nodosum, Bacillus subtilis, and Bacillus thuringiensis extracts assessed S. sclerotiorum mycelial growth in vitro in detached leaves, white mold severity in a greenhouse, and enzymatic analysis in leaf tissues. The last two experiments also received the acibenzolar-S-methyl and Trichoderma asperellum treatments. S. sclerotiorum mycelial growth showed 100% inhibition under B. subtilis and Wert Plus® at 1000 ppm and procymidone at 100 and 1000 ppm in vitro. The procymidone and B. subtilis treatments in detached leaves inhibited 100% of fungus growth. The greenhouse experiments with lower severity were procymidone, copper phosphite, B. thuringiensis, B. subtilis, manganese phosphite, potassium phosphite, High Roots®, and V6®. Higher peroxidase enzyme activity occurred in plants treated with acibenzolar-S-methyl, copper phosphite, and fungicide 48 hours after pathogen inoculation. The polyphenol oxidase enzyme did not show activity. Alternative products were responsive and may aid the chemical control of white mold in canola crops.

Effect of selected weeds and organic emulsions on seed germination, seedling growth and biochemical content in rice (Oryza sativa)

An experiment was conducted during 2021–22 at ICAR-National Institute of Biotic Stress Management, Raipur, Chhattisgarh, to understand the allelopathic impact of 4 selected weeds and 2 organic products on germination, seedling growth and biochemical content in rice in laboratory condition in a completely randomized design (CRD). The results indicate that 15% solution of Ascophyllum nodosum extract (T15) and 15% solution of Medicago denticulate extract (T18), inhibits the germination by 78.72 and 40.42%, respectively and 5% solution of Moringa oleifera extract (T4), 5% solution of Parthenium hysterophorus extract (T1) and 15% solution of vermiwash (T9) increased the germination by 25.53, 23.41, and 21.28% respectively as compared to control. Treatment T4 and T9 increased the seedling’s vigour by 112.8 and 109.08%, while among them treatments, viz. 15% solution of A. nodosum extract (T15) and 15% solution of M. denticulate extract (T18) decreased the vigourness by -88.60% and -59.05% respectively. Treatment T4 and 5% solution of vermiwash (T7) increased the biochemical content by 17.79% and 13.49% respectively, while 15% solution of panchgavya (T2), and treatment T15 were significantly decreased the biochemical content by 39.26 and 42.33% respectively. Based on findings, it may be concluded that negative correlation was found between the response of rice crop and increasing concentrations of weed extracts and panchgavya unlike vermiwash. But lower concentration of M. oleifera and vermiwash showed most positive impact on rice seedlings.

The role of an Ascophyllum nodosum extract in lowering the environmental impact and improving nitrogen use efficiency in pasture systems under a reduced nitrogen regime

Nitrogen is a macronutrient that is applied in substantial amounts as a chemical fertiliser to conventional agricultural systems. However, loss of nitrogen from agricultural systems to the environment, in the form of gases (N2O) and leachate (NO3), is detrimental to the environment. As such, improving the nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) of crops is an essential component of sustainable agriculture. Biostimulants are a category of products that improve NUE when applied to crops and/or soil. Here, we examined the effects of PSI-362, an Ascophyllum nodosum biostimulant mixed with and applied on calcium ammonium nitrate (CAN) granules, on grass yield, quality traits, and environmental impacts in lysimeter trials under natural weather conditions. By using PSI-362, it was possible to reduce nitrogen application by 25% without a significant loss in yield compared to a conventional 100% N system. We also observed an increase in NUE under a 75% N with PSI-362 co-application fertilisation regime, and a significant increase in crude protein content compared to the 100% N fertilisation controls. Furthermore, this reduced nitrogen application also resulted in reduced nitrogen loss through leachate (NO3) and N2O to the atmosphere. The total NUE for PSI-362 + fertiliser granules ranged from 58.7% to 78.6% depending on the biostimulant dose, which was significantly better than the fertiliser alone. Our results showed that this biostimulant, which can easily be incorporated into conventional agronomic practices, allows for a more sustainable approach to pasture-based systems.

Enteric methane emission reduction potential of natural feed supplements in ewe diets.

Research into the potential use of various dietary feed supplements to reduce methane (CH4) production from ruminants has proliferated in recent years. In this study, two 8-wk long experiments were conducted with mature ewes and incorporated the use of a variety of natural dietary feed supplements offered either independently or in combination. Both experiments followed a randomized complete block design. Ewes were offered a basal diet in the form of ad libitum access to grass silage supplemented with 0.5kg concentrates/ewe/d. The entire daily dietary concentrate allocation, incorporating the respective feed supplement, was offered each morning, and this was followed by the daily silage allocation. In experiment 1, the experimental diets contained 1) no supplementation (CON), 2) Ascophyllum nodosum (SW), 3) A. nodosum extract (EX1), 4) a blend of garlic and citrus extracts (GAR), and 5) a blend of essential oils (EO). In experiment 2, the experimental diets contained 1) no supplementation (CON), 2) A. nodosum extract (EX2), 3) soya oil (SO), and 4) a combination of EX2 and SO (EXSO). Twenty ewes per treatment were individually housed during both experiments. Methane was measured using portable accumulation chambers. Rumen fluid was collected at the end of both experiments for subsequent volatile fatty acid (VFA) and ammonia analyses. Data were analyzed using mixed models ANOVA (PROC MIXED, SAS v9.4). Statistically significant differences between treatment means were considered when P < 0.05. Dry matter intake was not affected by diet in either experiment (P > 0.05). Ewes offered EO tended to have an increased feed:gain ratio relative to CON (P < 0.10) and SO tended to increase the average daily gain (P < 0.10) which resulted in animals having a higher final body weight (P < 0.05) than CON. Ewes offered EX1 and SO emitted 9% less CH4 g/d than CON. The only dietary treatment to have an effect on rumen fermentation variables relative to CON was SW, which enhanced total VFA production (P < 0.05). In conclusion, the A. nodosum extract had inconsistent results on CH4 emissions whereby EX1 reduced CH4 g/d while EX2 had no mitigating effect on CH4 production, likely due to the differences in PT content reported for EX1 and EX2. SO was the only dietary feed supplement assessed in the current study that enhanced animal performance whilst mitigating daily CH4 production.

Estratégia de fertilização calcinada nas características fsiológicas e produtividade de manga

ABSTRACT Calcium (Ca) is a nutrient responsible for maintaining plant quality and fruit yield. The production of new Ca sources, such as micronized (CaM) and complexed Ca (CaC), and their supplementation provide a better yield in mango cultivation. This study aimed to evaluate the efect of Ca sources (micronized and complexed with Ascophyllum nodosum) and application methods on mango cultivation, in semi-arid Brazil. The experimental design was randomized blocks, in a 6 × 6 factorial scheme. The Ca supplementation strategies (control; 1 L ha−1 of CaM; 2 L ha−1 of CaM; 2 L ha−1 of CaC with A. nodosum extract; 2 L ha−1 of CaC with A. nodosum extract + application of 2.5 L ha−1 via CaC fertigation; and 2.5 L ha−1 via CaC fertigation) were evaluated on six dates regarding nutritional aspects. For biochemical and production aspects, the six supplementation strategies with Ca were evaluated. The Ca concentration in leaves and fruits signifcantly afected the interaction among the factors. The fertilization strategy with 2.5 L ha−1 of complexed calcium via fertigation was fundamental to provide increases in the nitrogen and Ca concentration of the fruits from 65 days after full fowering, and had positive efects on fruiting and production of mangoes cv. Kent.

Seed priming with Ascophyllum nodosum (L.) Le Jolis extract macroalgae in soybean.

Seed priming with biostimulant for soybean is a promising practice contributing positively to the physiological quality and vigor of seedlings, but there are little studies regarding protocols of bioinputs, such as Ascophyllum nodosum L. seaweed extract. We aimed to evaluate the effect of doses of A. nodosum macroalgae in seed priming and its impact on germination and seedling vigor of soybean. Seeds were subjected to priming with A. nodosum extract (ANE) at doses of 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 mL kg seed-1 during 15 min. Priming with ANE did not influence the first count and seed germination. Soybean seedlings from priming with 5 mL kg-1 ANE showed higher growth and shoot and root dry biomass. We observed increase 18% for shoot dry matter with priming of 5 mL kg-1 ANE compared to untreated seeds. The responses were variable for the emergence speed index in function ANE and did not influence the photochemical processes in photosystem II. Seed priming with ANE contributed in higher chlorophyll index. ANE showed a biostimulant effect on soybean seedlings, providing better growth and biomass characteristics, being promising in seed priming, but further studies are suggested in order to increase information regarding its use protocol for soybean.

Uso de bioestimulantes no crescimento inicial da grama DiscoveryTM

Abstract The use of bacteria and seaweed extracts as biostimulants to enhance plant growth holds promise for sustainable turfgrass management. This study aimed to investigate the effects of soil application of Azospirillum brasilense (bacterium) and Ascophyllum nodosum (seaweed) extract on the initial growth of DiscoveryTM bermudagrass. The study was conducted using a completely randomized design with plots measuring 0.25 m², each with a 0.5 m border. Two separate experiments were conducted, each involving four doses of biostimulants and five repetitions. The biostimulant treatments consisted of 0, 2, 4, and 6 mL L¹ A. brasilense inoculant and 0, 5, 10, and 15 mL L¹ A. nodosum seaweed extract. These treatments were uniformly applied to the soil at a rate of 100 mL m², with applications at 0, 30, and 60 days after the start of the experiment. After 90 days, the parameters green color index, green cover rate, turfgrass height, and vegetation index (normalized difference), were evaluated. The results indicated that both biostimulants significantly promoted the initial growth of DiscoveryTM bermudagrass. As the doses of the biostimulants increased, there was a corresponding increase in biomass and improved development of the turfgrass. The most pronounced responses were observed with a dose of 6 mL L¹ of the bacteria inoculant and 15 mL L¹ of the seaweed extract. These biostimulants fostered better turf coverage, making it challenging for weeds to establish, and potentially accelerating the production of sod grass.

Estimation of seaweed extract and micronutrient potential to improve net returns by enhancing yield characters in tomato using correlation analysis

In recent days, seaweed extracts are being used as biostimulants in agriculture. Various studies define that it enhances the growth of horticultural crops, but there is still a dearth of information regarding their biostimulant effect on yield and net returns of tomatoes. Hence, this research aims to explore the efficacy of seaweed extract in conjunction with micronutrients to enhance tomato yield, ultimately maximizing the economic returns. A field experiment using a factorial randomized block design with three replications was carried out comprising two factors, factor A, i.e., 12 treatment combinations of Ascophyllum nodosum extract (0.2% and 0.4%), Zinc (0.2%), and Boron (0.2%) applied at 15, 30, and 45 days after transplanting as a foliar spray and factor B, i.e., two hybrid varieties of tomato viz., Tomato no. 575 (red) and Yellow Jubilee (yellow). As per the results obtained, the treatment T12 (Zn @ 0.2% + B @ 0.2% + ANSE @ 0.4%) significantly improved the plant average weight of fruit, number of fruits/plant, equitorial and polar diameter of fruit, yield/plant, average yield/ha and harvest duration for both the studied varieties V1 (Tomato no. 575) and V2 (Yellow Jubilee). Moreover, it positively increased the net returns of tomato crops by enhancing marketable yield to fetch better returns. All the studied yield traits showed a significant positive correlation with the economic traits. The findings indicate significant improvements in key yield parameters, including fruit size, weight, and overall plant health. Moreover, the economic assessment underscores the financial viability of adopting these enhanced agricultural practices.

Impact of Foliar-Applied Plant Extracts on Growth, Physiological and Yield Attributes of the Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.)

The current reliance on pesticides and synthetic fertilizers has been vital to sustain and increase agricultural production. The continuous, excessive use of these traditional practices has negatively affected consumer health and burdened the ecosystem. The use of plant extracts as a tool to minimize agrochemical inputs has been extensively investigated; these extracts have the ability to improve both plant growth and agricultural productivity. Therefore, this study was conducted to determine the effect of foliar plant extract application on potato growth, as well as on certain physiological and yield attributes. From four weeks after planting onwards, five healthy, equal-sized potato plants per treatment received various foliar plant extract applications. These extracts included brown seaweed Ascophyllum nodosum extract (ANE), aloe vera leaf extract (AVE), garlic bulb extract (GBE), and moringa leaf extract (MLE). The treatments were repeated weekly until harvesting. Application data regarding growth and physiological parameters were collected weekly. The pre-harvest foliar application of various plant extracts significantly enhanced (p ≤ 0.05) the plant growth, physiological, and yield attributes of potatoes. The best growth and yield responses were observed following ANE and MLE application. Plant extracts have shown beneficial effects on other crops as well, but further validation of these effects is still necessary in order to popularize and commercialize such applications.