Effect of Sea Weed Extracts on the Growth, Yield Attribute and Nutrient Uptake of Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.)

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted during the summerseason at Agriculture farm in 2011-12 to study the effects of seaweed saps on growthand nutrient uptake of sesame in red lateritic soil of West Bengal. The foliar spray was applied thrice at seedling, pre-flowering and flowering stages with different concentrations (5.0, 7.5, 10.0 and 15.0%) of seaweed extracts (namely Kappaphycus and Gracilaria). Foliar applications of seaweed extract significantly enhanced the growth and nutrient uptake. The maximum plant height, dry matter, LAI and CGR was also achieved with the application of 15% seaweed extract. The highest dry matter production, seed yield nutrient uptake was recorded with applications of 15% Gracilaria sap+recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF), followed by 10% and 15% Kappaphykus sap+RDF extract resulting in an increased percentage of growth and nutrient uptake by the plant, respectively compared to the control. A wide range of beneficial effects have been reported from the use of liquid seaweed extracts, including increased crop yields, increased uptake of inorganic constituents from the soil. Hence this simple practice of application of eco-friendly seaweed liquid fertilizers to crops may be useful for the growers for attaining better growth and yield parameter. Findings of this work are useful to further research to evaluation the plant vigour and yield. Integrated use of sea weed liquid fertilizer in combination with the chemical fertilizer and their proper management for better growth and yield.