The effect of foliar application of <i>Ulva rigida</i> extract on the growth and biochemical parameters of wheat plants

Abstract

Many research studies have shown the importance of seaweed extract in agriculture. Marine macroalgae are rich in diverse compounds like lipids, proteins, carbohydrates, phytohormones, amino acids, osmoprotectants and minerals. In this study, we have tried to characterize Moroccan macroalgae species Ulva rigida collected from the coastal area of Akhfenir in order to evaluate their potential to improve growth plant. The proximate composition, mineral element (Ca, K, Mg, Na and Cl), pigments, amino acid, proteins, lipids, polyphenol contents were determined in liquid extract obtained from green seaweed (SWE) Ulva rigida. Results show that the application of SWE at different concentrations (0,12.5, 25, 50%) significantly enhanced growth parameters, especially with 25% of seaweed liquid extract. Therefore, algal treatment by foliar application is proved to be an effective technique to improve the growth of wheat plants. This study provides important information on the characterization, identification and utilization of seaweed resources for agriculture as biostimulants.