Evaluation of brown seaweed (Padina pavonica) as biostimulant of plant growth and development

Abstract

An innovative horticulture nutrient and biodegradable support is described in this paper for replacing plastic culture pots. This support is prepared with Luffa aegyptica, plant having a water holding capacity higher than that of the regular soil and that is also biodegradable. Brown seaweed Padina pavonica was incorporated as an organic fertilizer of plant growth. Chemical analysis of the aqueous extract of this alga showed the presence of macronutrients such as nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) necessary for development and growth of plants. Agar-agar was added as a solidifying agent. A medium containing only soil and another containing soil with chemical fertilizer served as controls. Sunflower seeds grown in medium supplemented with brown seaweed; (P. pavonica + agar (4% or 6%) + L. aegyptica have a growth rate (length and diameter of the stem, number of leaves) that is slower than the plants grown in a medium with a comparable amount of the soil with chemical fertilizer. However, the plants in the soil and others in the soil with chemical fertilizer and the media (seaweed + L. aegyptica + agar 4%) have not completed their growth while the plants grown in the media (seaweed + L. aegyptica + agar 6%) continued to grow. A biodegradability test showed that a piece of support (seaweed + agar 1.5% + L. aegyptica) presented a degradation rate higher than the support with only Luffa and agar 1.5%, while a piece of plastic had not degraded. The results of our study have shown that this support has helped to extend the duration of growth and enhanced the quality of the plants. Ultimately, the fabricated support presented fertilizer properties, water retention and biodegradability and could serve in horticulture as an alternative to plastic pots and chemical fertilizer.

Effects of nettle slurry (Urtica dioica L.) used as foliar fertilizer on potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) yield and plant growth

“…Therefore, the Urtica and Equisetum slurry could hypothetically improve potato yields due to the supplied micronutrients, which was not the case. One of the most efficient foliar natural fertilizers is seaweed (Dhargalkar & Pereira, 2005; Akila & Jeyadoss, 2010; Asma, Hiba & Laurence, 2013), which has been recently tested on potato (Pramanick et al, 2017). Seaweed ( Kappaphycus alvarezii (Doty) Doty ex Silva) foliar extract application, combined with a varied dose of soil fertilizers (50%, 75% and 100% RDF, where RDF = 200:150:150 kg/ha of N/P 2 O 5 /K 2 O, respectively) improved the plant height, yield, and chlorophyll content of potato plants (Pramanick et al, 2017).…”

The Inhibitory Effect of Sodium Bicarbonate, Phylex and Seaweed Extract Against Penicillium digitatum Causing Green Rot Disease in Local Lemon Fruits

“…These cuts facilitate penetration of fungi species in to the fruits. In addition fungi species secrete 14 enzymes, including, Chitinase and Cellulaes that decompose cellulose, and destruct the epidermis and medile lamella of the fruits peel [70,71].…”

“…It has been reported that Marmarine at 25, 50 and 100 g/L) inhibit the development of green mold infection on the oranges. Using 50 g/L of extract was completely prevented the infection by inhibiting 90% the spores germination [33,34]. Other studies indicated that Marmarine enhanced the resistance of cucumber against Penicillum melonis, as this extract stimulating the immune defense of cucumbers and increasing their phenol content.…”

“…They are a low price nutrition and effective agent, rapidly decomposed and easily absorbed by the plants [32]. A previous study showed that the green seaweeds are highly efficient, inducing the resistance of lemon fruits against green mold disease and protecting citrus fruits from P. digitatum after they have being harvested [33,34]. Phylex is a brown color transparent commercial liquid with a pH of 6.…”

Bioformulations based on plant growth promoting rhizobacteria for sustainable agriculture: Biofertilizer or Biostimulant?

“…The uncontrolled and excessive use of chemical inputs to increase agricultural productivity is argued by some to be degrading the soil and endangering the ecosystem, which is further argued to pose a serious threat to human health (Nellemann et al, 2009). It is therefore imperative to move towards modern agriculture and to look for new biotechnological advances that allow a reduction in the use of chemical inputs without affecting crop yields and farmers' income (Chbani et al, 2013). Recent efforts have been devoted to the production of high quality, *Corresponding author.…”