The effect of seaweed concentrate on the growth of Pinus pinea seedlings

Abstract

Application. The use of seaweed concentrate (SWC) to accelerate root growth of Pinus pinea seedlings is described. This renewable natural product might be used to improve the root and shoot growth of forest seedlings. Foliar spraying or root drenching seedlings with SWC dilutions before transplanting in the field may reduce transplant shock.Abstract. Seedlings of Pinus pinea L. growing in plastic containers were treated with seaweed concentrate (SWC). Different concentrations of SWC were applied, 0 to 3 times, to the roots or shoots of the seedlings. Shoot application increased plant weight mainly by increasing shoot growth. This was manifested as increased shoot length and weight and a decrease in the root/shoot ratio. Root drenches did not change the total plant weight but it accelerated root growth and increased lateral root dry weight. Root growth capacity (RGC) tests for both shoot and root applications indicated an increase in root length and some increases in root number when applied as a root drench. This study indicates that root application of SWC improved seedling quality and increased the ability of seedlings to survive transplanting into pots.

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

“…Increased growth of plants, development of deep roots, improved training of lateral roots (Atzmon and van Staden, 1994) and the increase of the total root system were also reported by Slavik (2005). Similarly, treatment with algae extracts has improved both the ratio root/shoot and biomass accumulation in tomato seedlings by stimulating root growth (Crouch and van Staden, 1992).…”

“…Similarly, treatment with algae extracts has improved both the ratio root/shoot and biomass accumulation in tomato seedlings by stimulating root growth (Crouch and van Staden, 1992). The biostimulants in general are able to affect root development by improving both the formation of lateral roots (Atzmon and van Staden, 1994;Vernieri et al, 2005) and the increase of the total root system (Thompson, 2004;Slavik, 2005;Mancuso et al, 2006). Improved root systems could be influenced by endogenous auxins and other compounds in the extracts (Crouch and Van Staden, 1992).…”

Enhancement of ammonium and potassium root influxes by the application of marine bioactive substances positively affects Vitis vinifera plant growth

“…Biostimulants are normally able to affect root development, increasing both lateral root formation (Vernieri et al 2005;Atzmon and van Staden 1994) and the overall size of the root system Slàvik 2005;Thompson 2004). Unfortunately, the role of biostimulants in plant growth enhancement is still under study, mainly due to the multitude of products and combinations thereof and to the fact that the effects of biostimulant application seems to be species-related.…”

The effect of a seaweed concentrate on the in vitro growth and acclimatization of potato plantlets

“…Improved plant growth following application of commercial seaweed preparations is well documented. SWC improved seedling growth of three Eucalyptus species (Van Staden et al, 1995), increased seedling quality and survival of Pinus pinea seedlings (Atzmon & Van Staden, 1994) and the vegetative and reproductive growth of marigold Tagetes panda . The influence of SWC on seedling establishment, rooting, flowering, fruit production and yield has been reviewed extensively (Crouch & Van Staden, 1994).…”