Germination and seedling growth responses of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) to seaweed extracts applied on seeds

Resumen

In the present study the effect of neutral and alkaline seaweed extracts was evaluated on the seed germination and tomato seedlings growth. The seeds were embedded in different dilutions (0.2, 0.4 and 1.0%) with both extracts. Seeds treated with Ulva lactuca and Padina gymnospora extracts at (0.2 %) enhanced germination parameters. However, alkaline seaweed extracts showed better results for germination parameters such as lower mean germination time and better seedling vigor index, resulting in an increase in shoot and root length of plants in response to compounds formed by the alkaline hydrolysis process. Most seaweed extracts tested showed significant effects on seedling shoot length. The significant positive effects in average radicle length was maintained in seedlings-treated with U. lactuca and P. gymnospora at 0.2 %. Similarly, the total length of the plants was increased from seeds priming with both extracts at a low concentration of 0.2%. Finally, the highest dry weight was recorded from seeds soaked with P. gymnospora extracts at 1.0 %. This study provides information on the use of seaweed extracts, especially U. lactuca and P. gymnospora, to be applied as a priming agent for tomato seed germination, which is potentially able to promote rapid and more uniform seed germination and plant growth.