Seaweed Extracts Research Articles

Effect of Gracilaria changii extract and its fraction in reverse cholesterol transport by targeting SR-BI gene

This present study aimed to investigate the effects of Gracilaria changii (Red seaweed) extract and its fraction on scavenger receptor class B type I (SR-BI) gene expressions. In vitro studies of the activity of G. changii extract and its fraction against the therapeutic target for hypocholesterolemia were conducted using high-density lipoprotein (HDL) receptor SR-BI via luciferase assay in HepG2 cells. In the current study, methanol crude extract (MCE) and Fraction-2 of G. changii showed the highest expression levels of the SR-BI gene via luciferase assay and increased SR-BI mRNA expression compared to the negative control. Metabolite profiling of the MCE of G. changii by GC-MS revealed nine major compounds, comprising various fatty acids, particularly hexadecenoic acid. Therefore, the MCE and Fraction-2 of G. changii have the potential to be explored in the treatment of hypercholesterolaemia to prevent or reduce the severity of atherosclerosis development.

Effect of Sargassum polycystum on Expression of Tyrosinase and Production of Melanin

Introduction: Melanogenesis, the process responsible for producing melanin pigment, hinges on the activation of the amino acid L-tyrosine by the pivotal enzyme tyrosinase. In cases of hyperpigmentation induced by ultraviolet radiation, there's a surge in both tyrosinase enzyme levels and melanin production. Sargassum polycystum is currently under active investigation for its potential in this regard. This review aims to delve deeper into the properties of Sargassum polycystum and its impact on tyrosinase expression and melanin production. Literature Review: Sargassum polycystum, a brown seaweed commonly found in coastal regions with abundant coral reefs, harbors active compounds like flavonoids, fucoidan, fucoxanthin, and phloroglucinol. Fucoidan, an extract from brown seaweed, exhibits promising anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Recent studies have revealed its ability to impede the melanogenesis process. Specifically, it was observed that fucoidan from brown seaweed extract could dampen α-MSH stimulation while enhancing the activation of the ERK-MAPK pathway, thereby acting as a negative regulator for melanogenesis. Fucoxanthin, another component, showcases antioxidant capabilities. Furthermore, phloroglucinol, found in Sargassum polycystum, exerts tyrosinase inhibitory effects by chelating copper within the enzyme. Flavonoids like catechin, hesperidin, kaempferol, and baicalein in Sargassum polycystum demonstrate inhibitory effects on melanogenesis activation pathways, including suppression of the Erk1/2 pathway, MiTF, and direct inhibition of tyrosinase. Consequently, this leads to reduced tyrosinase expression and melanin production, ultimately attenuating the melanogenesis process. Conclusion: Sargassum polycystum emerges as a promising candidate for combating hyperpigmentation induced by exposure to ultraviolet B radiation.

Therapeutic potential of seaweed extracts: In vitro and in vivo studies on alleviating inflammation and enhancing intestinal barrier function.

Rich in diverse compounds such as polysaccharides, pigments, and phenols, seaweed offers not only nutritional benefits but also functional elements such as fucoidan, which demonstrates anticoagulant, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory properties. This investigation screened 22 seaweed extracts obtained using either water or ethanol as solvents from a total of fourteen seaweed species to evaluate their potential as dietary supplement ingredients. In inflammation-induced Caco-2 cell models, Saccharina japonica, Capsosiphon fulvescens, Hizikia fusiforme, and Chondrus ocellatus exhibited a significant increase in TEER values 24 h after treatment with seaweed extracts, in contrast to the cocktail group (p < 0.05). Additionally, permeability significantly decreased compared to the cocktail group (p < 0.05). Notably, these species exhibited a reduction in mRNA expression of TNF-alpha and iNOS, coupled with an elevation in the protein expression of tight junction proteins. Moreover, when tested in DSS-induced mice, these seaweeds demonstrated enhancements in colon health indices, suggesting their potential as beneficial treatments for inflammatory bowel diseases and associated conditions. This study demonstrates the therapeutic promise of these four seaweed species and emphasizes their prospective role in treating inflammatory bowel diseases, urging further exploration of their therapeutic mechanisms and clinical applications.

Natural Dispersing Agent from Korean Seaweed Extract to Enhance the Safeness and UV Protection Properties of Inorganic Sunscreen Based on TiO2 Nanoparticles

Natural Dispersing Agent from Korean Seaweed Extract to Enhance the Safeness and UV Protection Properties of Inorganic Sunscreen Based on TiO2 Nanoparticles

Low-cost and efficient strategy for brown algal hydrolysis: Combination of alginate lyase and cellulase

Brown algae are rich in biostimulants that not only stimulate the overall development and growth of plants but also have great beneficial effects on the whole soil–plant system. However, alginate, the major component of brown algae, is comparatively difficult to degrade. The cost of preparing alginate oligosaccharides (AOSs) is still too high to produce seaweed fertilizer. In this work, the marine bacterium Vibrio sp. B1Z05 is found to be capable of efficient alginate depolymerization and harbors an extended pathway for alginate metabolism. The B1Z05 extracellular cell-free supernatant exhibited great potential for AOS production at low cost, which, together with cellulase, can efficiently hydrolyze seaweed. The brown algal hydrolysis rates were significantly greater than those of the commercial alginate lyase product CE201, and the obtained seaweed extracts were rich in phytohormones. This work provides a low-cost but efficient strategy for the sustainable production of desirable AOSs and seaweed fertilizer.

Improvement of heat-sealing strength of chitosan-based composite films and product costs analysis in the production process

The primary objective of this study was to enhance the heat-sealing strength of composite films made from chitosan and analyze the associated product costs. The approach adopted involved formulating chitosan-based composite films by incorporating gelatin and green seaweed extract. This strategic combination resulted in a notable improvement in heat-sealing strength. The ensuing attributes underwent meticulous examination, encompassing seal strength, FTIR spectroscopy, FE-SEM surface morphology analysis, and DSC thermal properties determination. Data analysis was rigorously conducted using the SPSS program, with outcomes presented as mean values accompanied by standard deviations. Disparities were discerned at a 95% confidence level, ensuring statistical robustness. The findings unveiled that the incorporation of 10% gelatin and 1% green seaweed extract substantially enhanced the seal strength of the chitosan-based composite films. Notably, the introduction of green seaweed extracts disrupted interactions between chitosan's structure and various molecular vibrations. This disruption, coupled with increased ionic interactions and hydrogen bonding, led to improved molecular interdiffusion, ultimately resulting in modified heat sealability. The study identified the optimized conditions as 10% gelatin and 1% green seaweed extract concentrations, which produced the highest seal strength at 19.4 N/m. Further evidence from scanning electron microscopy demonstrated improved interfacial adhesion, attributed to the adjusted surface morphology. The film surface did not contain small scattered particles and presented a smooth phase. This suggests that the chitosan-based composite achieved good interfacial adhesion between the two components in these films. As an essential aspect for practical application, the total production cost of the films was determined to be 606.84 baht. This information renders the data collection from the study valuable for companies seeking to enhance production efficiency and overall profitability.

Exploring the modulatory effects of brown seaweed meal and extracts on intestinal microbiota and morphology of broiler chickens challenged with heat stress

Brown seaweed (Ascophyllum nodosum) is known for its prebiotic roles and can improve animal intestinal health by enhancing the growth of beneficial microbes and inhibiting pathogenic ones. However, the gut health-modulatory roles of brown seaweed on chickens challenged with heat stress (HS) are rarely studied. The current study examined the effects of brown seaweed meal (SWM) and extract (SWE) on the ceca microbiota and small intestinal morphology of chickens challenged or unchallenged with HS. Three hundred and thirty-six 1-day-old Ross 308 broiler chicks were randomly assigned to either a thermoneutral (TN; 24 ± 1°C); or HS room (HS; 32-34°C, 8 h/d from d 21 to 27). All birds in each room were randomly allotted to 4 treatments - control (CON), CON + 1 mL/L seaweed extract (SWE) in drinking water, CON + 2 mL/L SWE in drinking water, and CON + 2% seaweed meal (SWM) in feed and raised for 28 d. On d 14 and 28, 12 and 24 birds per treatment group, respectively, were euthanized to collect the ceca content for gut microbiota analysis and small intestinal tissues for morphological examination. On d 14, 2% SWM increased (P = 0.047) the relative abundance of cecal Fecalibacterium and all brown seaweed treatments improved jejunal villus height (VH) and VH:CD compared to the CON diet. On d 28, HS significantly reduced (P < 0.05) ileal VH, VW, and VH:CD, and duodenal VH and VH:CD. Among the HS group, 2% SWM and 2 mL/L SWE significantly increased (P < 0.05) the relative abundance of Lactobacillus, Sellimonas, and Fournierella, compared to the CON diet. HS birds fed with 2% SWM had higher ileal VH and VH:CD compared to other treatments. In summary, SWM and SWE enhanced the abundance of beneficial microbes and improved small intestinal morphology among HS chickens. This implies that seaweed could potentially alleviate HS-induced intestinal impairment in chickens.

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.

Exploring the potential: Inhibiting quorum sensing through marine red seaweed extracts – A study on Amphiroa fragilissima

ObjectivesA great setback in concern with public health is the development of emerging bacterial resistance towards conventional antibiotics making it a huge issue in the medical sector. To combat bacterial resistance, innovative strategies have been developed. One of the significant strategies is to target the bacterial pathogenicity through inhibition of quorum sensing (QS) mechanism among bacteria. QS is cell density dependent molecular communication prevailing in bacteria trends to express several genes conferring for its virulence, biofilm formation, antibiotic resistance, motility and plant-bacterial interactions etc. Methods: The current study investigates the anti-QS activity of red seaweed, against the targeted test pathogens Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter sp. and E. coli. Results and conclusion: At the concentration of 100 mg/mL of red seaweed extract, the biofilm was effectively reduced in Acinetobacter sp. and E. coli with 36 % and 40 % respectively. The exo polymeric substance (EPS) quantification from test pathogens in the presence of algal extract has declined to 40.8 % in Acinetobacter sp. and 14.8 % in E. coli reduction compared to S. aureus and K. pneumonia. Furthermore, the QS dependent motility activities are also reduced with the effect of algal extract. The efflux pump expression, being the noteworthy factor for antibiotic resistance has been inhibited by algal extract. The bioactive compounds from the algal extract A. fragilissima such as Melamine, Silicic acid, diethyl bis(trimethylsilyl) ester, Trimethyl [4-(1-methyl-1-methoxyethyl) phenoxy] silane, Benzo[h]quinoline, 2,4-dimethyl, Pyrazol-3(2H)-one, 4-nitro and 1,2-Bis(trimethylsilyl)benzene etc. Among them, Melamine showed high peak area and may responsible for the anti-QS activity and helps to overcome antibiotic resistance of the opportunistic pathogens. The QS dependent phenotypic expression among the test pathogens has been interrupted by the bioactive components of A. fragilissima.

The Effect of seaweed (Eucheuma cottonii) extract and duration of soaking on reduction of Copper (Cu) level in Freshwater Mussel (Pilsbryoconcha exilis)

Freshwater Mussels (Pilsbryoconcha exilis) are filter-feeder animals that have eating habits by filtering food in the water, making it possible that heavy metal copper (Cu) will accumulate in the body of the mussel. One type of seaweed that can absorb heavy metals is Eucheuma cottonii because it contains iota carrageenan (65%) which is a sulfated polysaccharide containing hydroxyl groups and carboxyl groups capable of retaining and accumulating heavy metals. In addition E. cottoni as a biosorbent in the aquatic environment. This research aims to determine the effect of extract concentration and the best soaking time in reducing copper (Cu) levels. This research was conducted from April to May 2023. In this study, the concentrations used were 6%, 10%, and 14% with a period of 45 minutes, 90 minutes, and 135 minutes. The results showed that the concentration of 14% extract with a soaking time of 135 minutes showed the highest decrease in copper (Cu) levels of 1.298 mg/kg or 87.10% and the lowest decrease in copper (Cu) metal levels at a concentration of 6% with a soaking time of 45 minutes of 0.442 mg/kg or 29.68%.

Various extracts of the brown seaweed Cystoseira barbata with different compositions exert biostimulant effects on seedling growth of wheat.

Worldwide, where the demand for novel and greener solutions for sustainable agricultural production is increasing, the use of eco-friendly products such as seaweed-derived biostimulants as pre-sowing treatment represent a promising and important approach for the future. Cystoseira barbata, a brown seaweed species abundant in the Mediterranean Region, was collected from the Marmara Sea and subjected to water, alkali, and acidic extractions, and the biostimulant activity of these extracts was tested on wheat (Triticum durum cv. Saricanak-98) using different rates through application to the seeds or germination medium (substrate) applications. The different extracts were characterized by mineral, total phenolic, free amino acid, mannitol, polysaccharide, antioxidant concentrations and hormone-like activity. The effects of the extracts on growth parameters, root morphology, esterase activity, and mineral nutrient concentrations of wheat seedlings were investigated. Our results suggest that the substrate application was more effective in enhancing the seedling performance compared to the seed treatment. High rates of seaweed extracts applied to substrates increased the shoot length and fresh weight of wheat seedlings by up to 20 and 25%, respectively. The substrate applications enhanced the root fresh weights of wheat seedlings by up to 25% when compared to control plants. Among the biostimulant extract applications, the water extract at the highest rate yielded the most promising results in terms of the measured parameters. Cystoseira barbata extracts with different compositions can be used as effective biostimulants to boost seedling growth. The local seaweed biomass affected by mucilage problems, has great potential as a bioeconomy resource and can contribute to sustainable practices for agriculture.

Biodegradable Mulch Films and Bioformulations Based on Trichoderma sp. and Seaweed Extract Differentially Affect the Metabolome of Industrial Tomato Plants.

The use of biostimulants and biofilms in agriculture is constantly increasing, as they may support plant growth and productivity by improving nutrient absorption, increasing stress resilience and providing sustainable alternatives to chemical management practices. In this work, two commercial products based on Trichoderma afroharzianum strain T22 (Trianum P®) and a seaweed extract from Ascophyllum nodosum (Phylgreen®) were tested on industrial tomato plants (Solanum lycopersicum var. Heinz 5108F1) in a field experiment. The effects of single and combined applications of microbial and plant biostimulants on plants grown on two different biodegradable mulch films were evaluated in terms of changes in the metabolic profiles of leaves and berries. Untargeted metabolomics analysis by LC-MS Q-TOF revealed the presence of several significantly accumulated compounds, depending on the biostimulant treatment, the mulch biofilm and the tissue examined. Among the differential compounds identified, some metabolites, belonging to alkaloids, flavonoids and their derivatives, were more abundant in tomato berries and leaves upon application of Trichoderma-based product. Interestingly, the biostimulants, when applied alone, similarly affected the plant metabolome compared to control or combined treatments, while significant differences were observed according to the mulch biofilm applied.

Antimicrobial, antibiofilm, and antivirulence properties of Eisenia bicyclis-extracts and Eisenia bicyclis-gold nanoparticles towards microbial pathogens

Nanomaterials derived from seaweed have developed as an alternative option for fighting infections caused by biofilm-forming microbial pathogens. This research aimed to discover potential seaweed-derived nanomaterials with antimicrobial and antibiofilm action against bacterial and fungal pathogens. Among seven algal species, the extract from Eisenia bicyclis inhibited biofilms of Klebsiella pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, and Listeria monocytogenes most effectively at sub-MIC levels. As a result, in the present study, E. bicyclis was chosen as a prospective seaweed for producing E. bicyclis-gold nanoparticles (EB-AuNPs). Furthermore, the mass spectra of E. bicyclis reveal the presence of a number of potentially beneficial chemicals. The polyhedral shape of the synthesized EB-AuNP with a size value of 154.74 ± 33.46 nm was extensively described. The lowest inhibitory concentration of EB-AuNPs against bacterial pathogens (e.g., L.monocytogenes, S. aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and K. pneumoniae) and fungal pathogens (Candida albicans) ranges from 512 to >2048 μg/mL. Sub-MIC of EB-AuNPs reduces biofilm formation in P. aeruginosa, K. pneumoniae, L. monocytogenes, and S. aureus by 57.22 %, 58.60 %, 33.80 %, and 91.13 %, respectively. EB-AuNPs eliminate the mature biofilm of K. pneumoniae at > MIC, MIC, and sub-MIC concentrations. Furthermore, EB-AuNPs at the sub-MIC level suppress key virulence factors generated by P. aeruginosa, including motility, protease activity, pyoverdine, and pyocyanin, whereas it also suppresses the production of staphyloxanthin virulence factor from S. aureus. The current research reveals that seaweed extracts and a biocompatible seaweed-AuNP have substantial antibacterial, antibiofilm, and antivirulence actions against bacterial and fungal pathogens.

Ascophyllum nodosum (Linnaeus) Le Jolis from Arctic: Its Biochemical Composition, Antiradical Potential, and Human Health Risk.

Ascophyllum nodosum is a brown seaweed common in Arctic tidal waters. We have collected A. nodosum samples from the Barents Sea (BS), Irminger Sea (IS), and Norwegian Sea (NS) in different reproductive stages and have evaluated their biochemical composition, radical scavenging potential, and health risks. The total content of dominating carbohydrates (fucoidan, mannitol, alginate, and laminaran) ranged from 347 mg/g DW in NS to 528 mg/g DW in BS. The proportion of two main structural monosaccharides of fucoidan (fucose and xylose) differed significantly between the seas and reproductive phase, reaching a maximum at the fertile phase in the BS sample. Polyphenols and flavonoids totals were highest in NS A. nodosum samples and increased on average in the following order: BS < IS < NS. A positive correlation of free radical scavenging activity for seaweed extracts with polyphenols content was observed. The concentration of elements in A. nodosum from the Arctic seas region was in the following order: Ca > Mg > Sr > Fe > Al > Zn > As total > Rb > Mn > Ba > Cu > Co. Seaweeds from BS had the lowest metal pollution index (MPI) of 38.4. A. nodosum from IS had the highest MPI of 83. According to the calculated target hazard quotient (THQ) and hazard index (HI) values, Arctic A. nodosum samples pose no carcinogenic risk to adult and child health and are safe for regular consumption. Our results suggest that the Arctic A. nodosum has a remarkable potential for food and pharmaceutical industries as an underestimated source of polysaccharides, polyphenols, and flavonoids.

Codium fragile (Suringar) Hariot as Biostimulant Agent to Alleviate Salt Stress in Durum Wheat: Preliminary Results from Germination Trials.

Soil salinization is a critical environmental problem in arid and semiarid regions of the world. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of an algae-based biostimulant on germination and seedling vigour of durum wheat (Triticum turgidum L. subsp. durum (Desf.) Husn.), under different saline conditions (0, 100, and 200 mM NaCl). The experiment was carried out under controlled-environment conditions. Seeds were sprayed with a solution containing a combination of fungicide and different concentrations of Codium fragile (Suringar) Hariot algae (0%w/v, 10%w/v, 20%w/v, and 30%w/v). All experimental units were placed in a germination cabinet. The effect of the seaweed extract (SWE) on seed germination and seedling performance under salinity stress was evaluated over a period of 8 days. Coleoptile length and biomass were found to be significantly and positively affected by the application of different SWE doses as compared to the control treatment (0% algae). As for germination traits, seeds treated with SWE showed a final germination (from 82% to 88%), under severe saline conditions, significantly higher than that observed in the control treatment (61%). Our findings indicate that the appropriate dose of biostimulant can markedly improve the germination and the seedlings vigour of durum wheat seeds under saline conditions. Additional studies will be needed to understand the mechanism of action of this biostimulant and its effectiveness in longer studies under field conditions.

Influence of Seaweed Extracts on The Antioxidant System and Activity in Spinacia oleracea as Edible leafy Vegetable Plant

Influence of Seaweed Extracts on The Antioxidant System and Activity in Spinacia oleracea as Edible leafy Vegetable Plant

Effect of Organic Sources of Nutrients on Growth and Flowering of Spray Chrysanthemum

Aims: Chrysanthemum (Dendranthema grandiflora Tzvelev) also known as “Queen of the East” is one of the most imperative and the oldest flowering plant which is grown all over the world. Organic manures and bio-fertilizers improve soil health by increasing soil microorganisms and it helps the easy uptake of nutrients when crop is required to make it from unavailable form to available form. The present study was conducted to identify the best organic sources of nutrients for quality flower production of Chrysanthemum var. Aparajita.&#x0D; Experimental Design: The experiment was laid out in RCBD (Randomized Completely Block Design) where treatments comprised with control and application of enriched FYM, enriched Vermicompost, enriched poultry manures as well as spraying with seaweeds extract singly and/or in combination as per the treatment.&#x0D; Place and Duration of the Experiment: The present investigation was carried out at Instructional Farm, Department of Floriculture, Medicinal and Aromatic Plants in Uttar Banga Krishi Viswavidyalaya in the year of 2018-2020. The place is situated in Terai Region of West Bengal at 260 19 N latitude and 890 23 E longitude.&#x0D; Results: The results revealed that application of enriched FYM @ 12.5t/ha+ enriched vermicompost @ 2.5t/ha + Seaweeds extract spraying @ 3 ml/l (T11) recorded maximum plant height (46.19 cm), plant spread (E-W: 26.54 cm and N-S: 26.72 cm), production of more number of primary branches (7.25) and leaves per plant (105.33), minimum days taken to first flower bud initiation (68.13 days) and first flower full blooming (10.11 days), more number of flowers per plant (35.16), vase life (14.55 days) in tap water, maximum Gross return (Rs. 517957.00 per ha) and B:C ratio (1:2.53) while minimum was recorded in control (T1) as compare to other treatments.&#x0D; Conclusion: Based on the experiment, it had been concluded that application of enriched FYM @ 12.5t/ha+ enriched vermicompost @ 2.5t/ha + Seaweeds extract spraying @ 3 ml/l in combination was the best for organic cultivation of spray Chrysanthemum in the Terai region of West Bengal which was also economically viable for poor and marginal farmers of West Bengal.

Effect of Seaweed Liquid Fertilizer on Sorghum bicolor and Pennisetum glaucum

Millets are small-seeded grasses belonging to the family Poaceae that help in human and animal nourishment. They are mostly grown by using chemical fertilizers which are depleting soil fertility. Organic fertilizers are eco-friendly and help to enhance the growth and development of plants thereby maintaining soil health. Seaweed liquid fertilizer (SLF) are organic fertilizers that can be used to control the side effects caused by harmful chemical fertilizers. The present study was carried out to check the effects of seaweed liquid fertilizer on the growth and development of millets. Different concentrations of seaweed liquid fertilizer (0.25%, 0.50%, and 0.75%) were prepared from Sargassum cinerum, Ulva intestinalis, and Padina tetrastromatica, which were tested on Sorghum bicolor and Pennisetum glaucum. Growth parameters like root length, shoot height, flowering-fruiting, and biochemical analysis like proteins were analyzed by using seaweed liquid fertilizer and chemical fertilizer. Plants treated with 0.50% concentration of seaweed liquid fertilizer showed higher protein content. Total chlorophyll was found to be higher in treated plants than in control plants. Flowering and fruiting were observed earlier in seaweed liquid fertilizer treated plants. This concludes that seaweed extracts can be used as a promising alternative to chemical fertilizers, which plays a significant role in the holistic growth enhancement of plants.

Biodiversity and suppression of wood-decaying fungi in marine environment, Alexandria, Egypt by selected natural products: Control the fungal growth/contamination

The current study investigated the biodiversity and control of wood-decaying fungi isolated from marine environment, at Alexandria, Egypt. The fungal growth was in vitro control via selected plant natural products (seaweeds and aromatic herbs). Among 45 marine fungal isolates from decaying-wood samples were detected. At 85% similarity level, 5 clusters (A, B, C, D, and E) were obtained. According to numerical classification, one strain from each cluster was identified based on the sequences of ITS-PCR. The species level because their best matched references from BLAST search were higher than 96% of similarities with ITS sequences obtained from GenBank (four Aspergillus and one Penicillium species as the most abundant isolates). Additionally, the enzymatic action of cellulase, amylase, protease, and lipase was detected by fungal isolates. The highest enzymatic degradation coefficient (EDC) was of 1.38 for lipase secreted by P. chrysogenum strain HGM3. Only three strains (A. sydowi strain HGM1, P. chrysogenum strain HGM3 and A. amstelodami strain HGM5) produced cellulase enzyme with EDC value (1.075, 1.27 and 1.08), respectively. Moreover, the methanolic extracts of Ulva lactuca and Corallina officinalis collected from the Egyptian coasts besides aromatic plant; Salvia. officinalis purchased from herbal market were qualitatively analyzed using Gas chromatographic mass spectra. Various organic crude extracts exhibited that there were different types of high and low molecular weight bioactive compounds. Most of them are basically biologically important. Thus the identification of a good number of compounds in various crude extracts of seaweeds and herbal plants might have potent ecological role.

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.