“Effect of seaweed fertilizers on the growth and yield of Cluster bean (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba L. Taub Var. Pusanavbahar) crop”

Dr.K.Ambli

Keywords: SLF, cluster bean, seaweed, germination, yield

Abstract Seaweeds, otherwise known as marine algae. Algae are primitive non flowering photosynthetic macrophytes occurring in tidal regions of seas and oceans that occupy 71% of all the globe and they are natural renewable resources. The present study, three different seaweeds were selected viz., Sargassum wightii, Kappaphycus alvarezii and Turbinaria ornata. The formulation was evaluated for bio stimulant potential by performing a pot culture on cluster bean. The different concentrations such as 3%, 6% and 9% and mixed concentrations along with control were prepared and given as foliar spray and observed various parameters like, seed germination percentage, 30th day survivability, 7th day and 15th day shoot length and root length, days to first blooming, plant height (cm), number of leaves per plant, length of fruit (cm), breadth of the fruit (cm), Weight of fruit per plant (g). Among the three weeds examined Kappaphycus alvarezii are better results when compared to control and other treated concentrations. All the parameters were significantly decreased increasing dose/concentrations. 7th day and 15th day shoot length and root length maximum was observed in mixed algae when compared to control and other treated concentrations. Days to first blooming (earliest flowering) was observed in Kappaphycus alvarezii and Sargassum wightii (35 days) 3% concentration. The growth enhancing potential of sea weed might be attributed to the presents of carbohydrate, phenyl acetic acid, micro and macro elements. SLF could serve as cost effective ecofriendly product for sustainable agriculture. Keywords: SLF, cluster bean, seaweed, germination, yield

Volume 10 Issue 1, January-2025

Pages : a760-a785