Studies on Effect of Seaweed Extracts on Crop Plants and Microbes

Abstract

Seaweeds contains considerable amount of micronutrients and some plant growth hormones which helps plant growth and also in germination. When its concentration increases it will lead to toxicity and inhibits plant growth. In this present study, the effect of seaweed extract on plant germination, toxicity and the future perspective of its usage as bio fertilizer are discussed. The seaweed liquid fertilizer was prepared from three seaweeds. Seeds of Abelmoschus esculentus and Solanum lycopersicum were treated with seaweed extracts, which is prepared in the ratio 1:10 W/V. Seaweed extracts at different concentration is used to find out their efficiency on germination of seeds and plant growth inhibiting (toxic) concentration. The seeds treated with different concentration of seaweed extract are monitored for various parameters such as root length, shoot length and number of lateral roots. The results showed increased germination and growth on low concentration, but when the concentration increases, it inhibits the rate of germination due to its toxicity in Solanum lycopersicum. All the three seaweed extract showed better rate of germination at optimum concentration ranges between 40 - 60% in Abelmoschus esculentus and toxicity at higher concentration. Extracts of all the three seaweeds didn't show any antibacterial activity against five bacterial species.