Influence of seaweed liquid fertilizer from Ulva lactuca Linnaeus, 1753 on seed germination and growth parameters of Green gram

Abstract

Seaweed extracts are extensively used as fertilizers across the globe. However, their mechanism of action and effects are less understood and need to be studied in detail. The present study investigated the effect of Ulva lactuca seaweed extract as a liquid fertilizer (SLF) on the growth characteristics of green gram. The seeds of green gram were soaked in varied concentrations of aqueous seaweed extract like 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 %. Additionally, the SLF was applied on germinated seedlings as foliar spray treatment in 2 days interval. The maximum growth parameters were observed in foliar spray treatment at 8 % concentration and in seed soaking treatment at 2 % concentration. The seaweed extract was effective in influencing the growth characteristics of green gram.