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Influence of Seaweed Liquid Fertilizer on the Growth and Biochemical

Composition of Legume Crop, Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp

Article · January 2010

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 Journal of Phytology 2010, 2(5): 50–63 ISSN: 2075-6240
Phycology Available Online: www.journal-phytology.com

REGULAR ARTICLE

INFLUENCE OF SEAWEED LIQUID FERTILIZER ON THE

GROWTH AND BIOCHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF LEGUME
CROP, Cajanus cajan (L.) Mill sp.
B. Sathya1, H. Indu1, R. Seenivasan1* and S. Geetha2
1Divisionof Environmental Biotechnology, School of Bio sciences and Technology, VIT University,
Vellore-632 014, Tamil Nadu, India
2Department of Plant Biology and Biotechnology, Arignar Anna Govt. Arts College for Women,

Walajapet-632 513 Tamil Nadu, India

SUMMARY
Seaweed or benthic marine algae are the group of plants that live either in marine or
brackish water environment. Like the land plants seaweed contains photosynthetic
pigments and with the help of sunlight and nutrient present in the seawater, they
photosynthesize and produce food. Seaweeds are found in the coastal region between
high tide to low tide and in the sub-tidal region up to a depth where 0.01 %
photosynthetic light is available. The application of seaweed fertilizer for different crop
was of great importance to substitute the commercial chemical fertilizers and to reduce
the cost of production. Liquid fertilizers derived from seaweeds are found to be superior
to chemical fertilizers due to high level of organic matter, micro and macro elements,
vitamins and fatty acids and also rich in growth regulators. In the present study the
effect of seaweed liquid fertilizer prepared from different seaweeds Grateloupia lithophila
(Red algae), Chaetomorpha linum (Green Algae), Sargassum wightii (Brown algae) at
different concentrations (10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 100%) on the plant Cajanus cajan
were studied. At 30% concentration the SLF prepared from Chaetomorpha linum showed
maximum growth parameters on Cajanus cajan. Similarly SLF of Sargassum wightii
promoted maximum photosynthetic pigments and biochemical parameters at 20%
concentration than the control. Among the three seaweeds used Sargassum wightii and
Chaetomorpha linum showed better results than the Grateloupia lithophila at lower
concentration. (SLF- Seaweed Liquid Fertilizer).
B. Sathya et al. Influence of Seaweed Liquid Fertilizer on the Growth and Biochemical Composition of Legume Crop, Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp. J Phytol 2/5 (2010)
51-63.
* Corresponding Author, Email: marineseenu@gmail.com

1. Introduction
Seaweeds are the macroscopic marine one of the most important marine resources
algae found attached to the bottom in of the world and being used as human food,
relatively shallow coastal water. They grow animal feed and raw material for many
in the intertidal, shallow and deep sea areas industries. Seaweeds are rich in minerals,
upto 180 meter depth and also in estuaries protein, lipid, carbohydrate, vitamins,
and backwaters on the solid substrate such as bromine, iodine etc. So algae have been
rocks, dead corals and pebbles. The seaweeds harvested by man for centuries particularly
are totally different from higher plants as in China and Japan where they form a part of
they neither have true leaves, stems and the staple food. Seaweeds have been used as
roots nor vascular systems with specialized manure, cattle feed, food for human
organs. Seaweeds are classified into three consumption and as a source of
groups namely green (Chlorophyceae), phycocolloids such as agar, alginic acid and
brown (Phaeophyceae), red (Rhodophyceae) carrageenan (Chapman, 1970).
based on their pigments like chlorophylls, Seaweed fertilizer is a natural bioactive
carotenoids and phycobilins. Seaweeds are material, water soluble derived from marine
 B. Sathya et al./J Phytol 2/5 (2010) 50-63

macro algae. Seaweed extract is a new effects on Phaseolus vulgaris. Rama rao (1979)
generation of natural organic fertilizers reported good yields of Zizyphus rugosa fruits,
containing highly effective, nutritious and where leaf spray of SLF obtained from
promotes faster generation of seeds and Sargassum was used. Seaweed manures have
increase yield and resistant ability of many the advantage of being free from weeds and
crops. Seaweed fertilizer could be absorbed pathogenic fungi. Seaweeds are known to
by plant within several hours after contain appreciable quantities of plant
application and safe to human, animals and growth regulators (Mooney and Van Staden,
environment. The growing agricultural 1985), IAA (Abe et al., 1972), gibberellins and
practices need more fertilizers for higher gibberellin like substance (Radley, 1961;
yield to satisfy food for human beings. The Sekar et al., 1995). Hence marine algae,
seaweed extracts contain plant growth particularly seaweeds have vital role to play
hormones, regulators, promoters, in agriculture, especially in third world
carbohydrates, amino acids, antibiotics, country where irrational use of chemical
auxins, gibberellins and vitamins fertilizer and pesticides is a cause of concern.
consequently which enhance the yield and Main seaweed extract known to play useful
quality which are induce the yield of crops, role in agriculture are Maxicrop, Algifert,
seed germination, resistance to frost, fungal Germar GA14, Kelpak 66, Seaspray, Seasol,
and insect attacks (Erulan et al., 2009). An S.M.3, Seacrop16, Citex10, Cytokin11,
adequate amount of potassium, nitrogen, Algistim12 , Biozyme, Ujazyme, Agrimore13,
growth promoting hormones, micronutrients, Seamac and Alginex14, and MAC8.
humic acid etc. present in seaweeds make it Application of seaweed extract as an organic
an excellent fertilizer. Fertilizers derived biostimulant is fast becoming unaccepted
from seaweeds (Fucus, Laminaria, practice in horticulture (Turan & Kose, 2004).
Ascophyllum and Sargassum) are Seaweed liquid fertilizer contained
biodegradable, nontoxic, nonpolluting and macronutrients, trace elements, organic
non hazardous to human, animals and birds. substances like amino acids and plant
Chemical fertilizers have degraded the growth regulators such as Auxin, Cytokinin
fertility of the soil by making it acidic, and Gibberellins (Williams et al., 1981). The
rendering it unsuitable for raising crops. use of natural seaweed products as
Seaweed manure besides increasing the soil substitutes to the conventional synthetic
fertility increases the moisture holding fertilizers has assumed importance. In
capacity and supplies adequate trace agriculture, the application of seaweeds are
elements thereby improving the soil so many, as soil conditioners, fertilizers and
structure (Dhargalkar and Neelam Pereira, green manure, due to the presence of high
2005). Recently adopted technique, of amount of potassium salts, micronutrients
spraying fertilizer on the plants has increased and growth substances. The present study is
nutrient absorption in the plants. Leaves additional information for an alternate to
absorb nutrient within 10 to 15 minutes of its synthetic fertilizers and further study is
application. Many brands of seaweed liquid necessary to recompense the constraints.
fertilizers like Maxicrop (UK), Kelpak 66 Seaweed liquid fertilizer contained
(South Africa), Seagrow (New Zealand), macronutrients, trace elements, organic
Algifert (Norway), plantozyme, Shaaktizyme substances like amino acids and plant
(India) etc are available in the market. The growth regulators such as auxin, cytokinin
diluted extract when sprayed on plants, and gibberellins. They are particularly
increase in rate of growth, resistance to pests, suitable content (Chapman and Chapman,
higher yield of 25 to 30% etc., Experiments 1980), it has been proved that SLF promoted,
on the use of seaweeds as manure have been the growth and the yield of crop plants
carried out by Thivy (1960), who showed (Nelson and Van Staden, 1984; Rama Rao
higher rate of growth and higher yield in 1991; Rama Rao, 1992). The SLF obtained
crop plants. Bhosle et al., (1975) prepared a from brown, red and green seaweeds are
Seaweed liquid fertilizer and studied its now available commercially in trade names
 B. Sathya et al./J Phytol 2/5 (2010) 50-63

such as ‘Maxicrop’ (sea born), ‘Algifert’ of Cajanus cajan are reported to contain (per
(Manure), ‘Golmar’, ‘GA 14’, ‘Kelpak 66’, 100 g) 345 calories, 9.9% moisture, 19.5 g
‘Seaspray’, ‘Seasol’, ‘SM3’, ‘Cytex and protein, 1.3 g fat, 65.5 g carbohydrate, 1.3 g
Seacrop 16’ for use in agriculture (Jeanin et al., fiber, 3.8 g ash, 161 mg Ca, 285 mg P, 15.0 mg
1991). Beneficial effects from the use of Fe, 55 mg b-carotene equivalent, 0.72 mg
seaweed extracts as natural regulators have thiamine, 0.14 mg riboflavin, and 2.9 mg
included increased crop yield, delay of fruit niacin. (Duke, 1981).
senescence, improved overall plant vigour,
improved yield quantity and quality, and The present study has been designed to
improve ability to withstand adverse evaluate the effect of seaweed liquid fertilizer
environmental conditions (Featonby-Smith on the growth, photosynthetic pigments and
and Van Staden, 1983). Application of biochemical composition of Cajanus cajan (L.)
seaweed extract as organic biostimulant is Millsp. The Aim & Objective of the present
fast becoming accepted practice in study is:
horticulture due to its beneficial effects
(Verkleij, 1992). Recent researches have  To prepare seaweed liquid fertilizer
proved that SLF is better than other chemical at different concentrations
fertilizers (Rajkumar Immanuel and
Subramanian, 1999). Seaweeds have recently  To treat the crop plant with different
gained importance as foliar sprays for concentration of seaweed liquid fertilizer viz.,
several crops (Thivy, 1961; Metha et al., 1967; 10%, 20%,
Bokil et al., 1974) because the extract contains
growth promoting hormones (IAA and IBA),  To study the morphological
cytokinins, trace elements, vitamins and characteristics like shoot length, root length,
amino acids (Challen and Hemingway, 1965). dry weight and fresh weight of the plants
Seaweed fertilizer was found to be superior after seaweed liquid fertilizer treatment.
to chemical fertilizer because to the high
level of organic matter aids in retaining  To analyze the biochemical
moisture and minerals in the upper soil level characteristics like lipid, protein, amino acid
available to roots (Wallen Kemp, 1955). content of the plants after application of
The pulse crop take for this study is seaweed liquid fertilizer.
Cajuns Cajan (Pigeon pea) it is an important 
grain legume commonly grown and  To evaluate the pigment content
consumed in tropical and subtropical regions (carotenoids, chlorophyll ‘a’, chlorophyll ’b’
of the world. India accounts for over 80% of and total chlorophyll) of the plants after
the world supply of pigeon pea [ICRISAT, seaweed liquid fertilizer treatment.
1986]. The pigeon pea is a perennial member
of the family Fabaceae. Pigeon pea is a rich 2. Materials and Methods
source of protein, carbohydrates and certain Study area
minerals. It is made of three anatomical The study area of the sample collection
structures; the seed coat, the cotyledons and was Vellar estuary, Parangipettai. The Vellar
the embryonic tissue. It is the major pulse estuary is located at Porto Novo (Lat.11°29;
crop of the semiarid tropics, has been used Long. 79°46' E). Having its origin in the
for centuries in intercropping systems, and is Servarayan hills in Salem district in Tamil
an ideal source of fodder, food and firewood Nadu, South Arcot District for over distance
in agro forestry systems. of 480 km and drains into Bay of Bengal at
Pigeon peas were reported to contain Porto Novo.
moisture, 15.2; protein, 22.3; fat (ether
extract), 1.7; mineral matter, 3.6;
carbohydrate, 57.2; Ca, 9.1; and P, 0.26%;
carotene evaluated as vitamin A, 220 IU and
vitamin B1, 150 IU per 100 g. Sun-dried seeds
 B. Sathya et al./J Phytol 2/5 (2010) 50-63

Fig: 1. Map showing Vellar estuary Preparation of seaweed liquid fertilizer

(SLF)
The seaweed liquid fertilizer was
prepared by the method of Rama Rao (1990).
The coarse powder of seaweeds was mixed
with distilled water in the ratio of 1: 20
(W/V). It is then autoclaved at 121C, 20 lbs
for 20 minutes. The mixture was filtered
through cheese cloth and the filtrate was
collected at 4C. The supernatant was
centrifuged and dried on an oven at 60º C for
48 hours. Then 100% seaweed extract was
collected using distilled water.
Seed soaking and plant culture
The seaweed liquid fertilizer was
Seaweeds prepared with different doses viz., 10%, 20%,
The three seaweed species used in this 30%, 40%, 50%, and 100%. Then the sowing
study are Grateloupia lithophila Boergesen, seeds were soaked in particular doses of SLF
Sargassum wightii Greville, Chaetomorpha for 12hrs. One batch of seeds was kept as
linum (Muller) Kutzing control and treated with water. Then the
Collection of sample seeds were sowed and observed for
Three seaweed samples (i) Chaetomorpha germination and early growth. In this
linum (ii) Grateloupia lithophila (iii) Sargassum experiment polythene bags were used for
wightii were collected from the vellar estuary, raising the crops which is filled with 5kg of
Parangipettai during the month of January the garden soil for plant culture. Ten seeds
2010. The algal sample was hand picked and were sown at a depth of 1.5 cm in each bag.
washed thoroughly with seawater to remove The polythene bags were labeled in
all the impurities, sand particles and particular doses and rearranged at regular
epiphytes. It was kept in an ice box intervals so as to ensure uniform
containing slush ice, transported to the environmental impact on the plants growth.
laboratory and washed thoroughly using tap The weeds were removed regularly and
water to remove the salt on the surface of the watering was done once in 2 days for the test
sample. The water was drained off and the plants.
algal material was spread on blotting paper Analysis
to remove excess water. They were shade Plants from each treatment were
dried. The dried seaweeds are finally randomly drawn for various analyses. Plants
pulverized in the commercial grinder and the from the bags were uprooted carefully and
powdered seaweed samples are used for washed in tap water. They were then
further analysis. processed for different analyses. All the
Collection of seeds parameters such as growth and biochemical
The crop plant, selected for the present characters were analyzed only at the end of
study was Cajanus cajan The seeds for the 45 days after seed sowing. Triplicate samples
study purpose were collected from regional were used for all the parameters and the
pulses research station, Tamilnadu mean values were presented.
agricultural University, Vamban, Pudukottai Growth Parameters
district, Tamilnadu, India. Healthy seeds free Measurement of root length and shoot
from visible infection with uniform size, length
colour and size were segregated and then The shoot length was measured from the
stored in metal tin containers as suggested collar region to tip of the shoot and the root
by Rao (1976) and used for experimental length was calculated from the collar region
purpose.
 B. Sathya et al./J Phytol 2/5 (2010) 50-63

to tip of the primary root. The mean values Estimation of protein:

were expressed in cm. (Erulan et al., 2009). The protein was estimated by Biurette
method (Raymont et al., 1964).
Measurement of fresh weight and dry
weight 3. Results
The uprooted plants were washed and Statistical analysis was calculated by one
separated into root and shoot; they were way ANOVA followed by Student’s
blotted in blotting paper and weighed. They Newman Keul’s test.
were dried in a hot air oven at 80º C for 24
Growth parameters
hours and then dry weight was taken by
using an electrical single pan balance. The Root length
mean values were expressed in mg g-1.fr.wt. The root length of the plants varied from
(Erulan et al., 2009). 1.86±0.5 to 5.06±0.4 cm/seedlings. The
maximum root length recorded was 5.06±0.4
Photosynthetic pigments
cm/seedlings in the plants that received 30%
Estimation of chlorophyll
Chlorophyll was estimated SLF of Chaetomorpha linum (Green algae). The
spectrophotometrically according to the values of root length of the plants after the
method of Arnon (1949). application of SLF is presented in the Fig. 2.

Estimation of carotenoids Shoot length

The shoot length of the plants varied
Carotenoid content was estimated as
described by Kirk and Allen, (1965). The from 11.25±1.8 to 13.1±1.7 cm/seedlings. The
maximum shoot length noted was 13.1±1.7 in
same chlorophyll extract was measured at
the plants that received 30% SLF of
480 nm in spectrophotometer to estimate the
Carotenoid content. Carotenoid: µg/g.fr.wt. Chaetomorpha linum. The values of shoot
length of the plants is depicted in Fig. 3.
= ∆A.480 + (0.114 X ∆A. 663) – (0.638 X ∆A.
645). ∆A = Absorbance at respective wave Fresh weight
length. Fresh weight of the Cajanus cajan varied
from 6.03±1.7 to 8.98±1.8 mg g-1.fr.wt .The
Estimation of total sugar
The total sugar content was estimated by results of fresh weight of the plants is
depicted in the Fig. 4.
Anthrone method (Roe, 1955).
Dry weight:
Extraction and estimation of lipid
The dry weight of Cajanus cajan ranged
The lipid was estimated by using
chloroform methanol mixture as described from 0.262±6.0 to 0.459±9.0 mg g-1 .fr.wt. The
by Folch et al., (1956). results of the dry weight of the plants after
the application of seaweed liquid fertilizer is
Extraction and estimation of total amino depicted in the Fig. 5.
acids:
The total amino acid content of algal
species was determined according to the
method of Moore and Stein (1948).

Figure 2. Root length of Cajanus cajan

 B. Sathya et al./J Phytol 2/5 (2010) 50-63

Figure 3. Shoot length of Cajanus cajan

Figure 4. Fresh weight of Cajanus cajan

Figure 5. Dry weight of Cajanus cajan

Photosynthetic pigments presented in the table 1, 2, 3 and 4. The

The photosynthetic pigments like maximum chlorophyll ’a’ (19.17±1.00) and
chlorophyll ‘a’, chlorophyll ’b’, total chlorophyll ’b’ (14.74±2.51) and carotenoid
chlorophyll and carotenoid content of (0.80±3.51) and total chlorophyll (966.95±1.52)
Cajanus cajan after the application of SLF of was recorded in the plants that was treated
Grateloupia lithophila, Chaetomorpha linum and with 20% SLF of Sargassum wightii.
Sargassum wightii were estimated and
 B. Sathya et al./J Phytol 2/5 (2010) 50-63

Table 1. Chlorophyll content of Cajanus cajan

SEAWEED 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 100% Control

G. lithophila 16.27±3.0 15.95±2.0 7.97±2.0 6.61±2.0 4.73±2.0 4.27±1.5 7.45±2.0

C. linum 10.85±2.0 10.07±1.5 8.09±1.5 7.56±2.0 6.24±2.0 4.67±2.0 7.45±2.0

S. wightii 8.5±0.20 19.17±1.0 7.77±2.0 5.03±1.5 3.87±2.0 1.58±2.0 7.45±2.0

Table 2 Chlorophyll ‘b’ content of Cajanus cajan

SEAWEED 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 100% Control

G. lithophila 5.46±0.2 8.49±2.0 4.87±2.0 3.55±2.0 3.25±2.0 1.96±1.5 6.70±1.0

C. linum 2.77±1.5 6.29±2.0 5.96±1.0 5.33±2.0 4.19±2.0 1.18±2.5 6.70±1.0

S. wightii 4.25±1.5 14.74±2.5 12.96±1. 10.73±2 6.40±0.2 0.57±0.2 6.70±1.0

Table 3. Total chlorophyll content of Cajanus cajan

SEAWEED 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 100% Control

G. lithophila 0.54±1.5 0.48±2.0 0.43±2.0 0.36±2.0 31±2.0 0.16±1.5 0.26±1.5

C. linum 0.47±2.0 0.66±1.5 0.55±2.5 0.27±2.5 0.27±2.5 26±3.0 0.26±1.5

S. wightii 0.58±2.5 0.80±3.5 0.67±2.0 0.55±2.0 0.52±2.0 0.51±2.0 0.26±1.5

Table 4. Carotenoid content of Cajanus cajan

SEAWEED 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 100% Control

G. lithophila 130.67±2.0 805.74±0.5 751.76±2.6 745.57±2.0 235.43±2.0 166.52±0.5 316.33±1.1

C. linum 611.07±1.5 570.73±2.0 480.37±1.5 395.97±2.5 393.95±1.5 331.67±1.5 316.33±1.1

S. wightii 233.17±2.0 966.95±1.5 628.67±2.0 414.10±1.5 357.86±1.5 207.05±1.5 316.33±1.1

 B. Sathya et al./J Phytol 2/5 (2010) 50-63

Biochemical analysis the plants that received 40% SLF of

The biochemical parameters of the Grateloupia lithophila (Table 6).
Cajanus cajan like protein, lipid, amino acid
Amino acid
and total sugar content were analyzed and
The amino acid content of Cajanus cajan
depicted in the Table 5, 6, 7 and 8.
varied from 1.66±5.7 to 1.00 to 5.00±1.0 mg g-1
Protein f. wt. The maximum value noted was
The protein content ranged from 0.21±2.5 5.00±1.0 mg g-1 f. wt in the plants that
to 0.43±0.3 mg g-1 f. wt. The maximum received 20% SLF of Sargassum wightii and
protein content noted was 0.43±0.3 mg g-1 f. the minimum value recorded was 1.33±5.7
wt in the plants that received 20% seaweed mg g-1 f. wt in the plants that were treated
liquid fertilizer of Sargassum wightii and the with 50% SLF of Chaetomorpha linum and
minimum protein content observed was 100% SLF of Sargassum wightii (Table 7).
0.20±1.5 mg g-1 f. wt in the plants that
received 20% seaweed liquid fertilizer of Total sugar
Grateloupia lithophila (Table 5). The total sugar content ranged from
1.16±0.1 to 1.57±2.5 mg g-1 f. wt. The
Lipid: maximum value recorded was 1.57±2.5 mg g-
The lipid content varied from 4.13±1.0 to 1 f. wt in the plants that was treated with 20%

8.16±2.0 mg g-1 f. wt. The maximum lipid SLF of Sargassum wightii and the minimum
content recorded was 8.16±2.0 mg g-1 f. wt in content was noted in the plants that were
the plants that was treated with 20% SLF of treated with 100% SLF of Sargassum wightii
Sargassum wightii and the minimum lipid (Table8).
content observed was 2.61±1.0 mg g-1 f. wt in

Table 5. Protein content of Cajanus cajan

SEAWEED 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 100% Control

G. lithophila 0.22±3.6 0.28±1.5 0.26±3.0 0.23±2.6 0.21±2.5 0.20±1.5 0.21±2.5

C. linum 0.25±1.5 0.31±3.2 0.28±4.9 0.25±4.5 0.23±2.5 0.23±2.5 0.21±2.5

S. wightii 0.28±2.0 0.43±0.3 0.25±3.3 0.24±0.7 0.23±2.5 0.23±2.5 0.21±2.5

Table 6. Lipid content of Cajanus cajan

SEAWEED 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 100% Control

G. lithophila 4.44±2.0 5.80±0.1 5.72±1.5 5.61±1.5 5.61±1.0 2.61±1.0 4.13±1.0

C. linum 2.65±1.5 6.43±2.0 4.38±1.5 4.28±1.5 3.60±2.0 3.42±1.0 4.13±1.0

S. wightii 5.33±1.5 8.16±2.0 6.11±1.5 5.55±5.5 5.51±1.5 5.16±1.5 4.13±1.0

 B. Sathya et al./J Phytol 2/5 (2010) 50-63

Table 7. Amino acid content of Cajanus cajan

SEAWEED 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 100% Control

G. lithophila 2.33±1.5 4.33±1.5 3.66±1.5 3.33±1.5 2.66±2.0 2.00±1.0 1.66±5.7

C. linum 2.00±2.0 3.66±1.5 3.33±2.0 1.33±5.7 1.33±5.7 1.33±5.7 1.66±5.7

S. wightii 3.00±2.6 5.00±1.0 2.66±2.08 2.33±2.30 2.00±1.0 1.33±5.7 1.66±5.7

Table 8. Total sugar content of Cajanus cajan

SEAWEED 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 100% Control

G. lithophila 0.22±1.5 0.44±2.0 0.33±1.0 0.27±2.0 0.26±2.5 0.24±1.5 1.16±0.1

C. linum 0.76±1.5 0.47±2.0 0.45±1.0 0.31±1.5 0.29±1.0 0.26±2.6 1.16±0.1

S. wightii 0.18±0.2 1.57±2.5 1.50±0.1 0.31±3.0 0.24±2.6 0.16±2.6 1.16±0.1

4. Discussion attained maximum growth parameters (Root

Seaweeds are primitive non flowering length, shoot length, fresh weight and dry
plants without root, stem and leaves. They weight) than the seeds that are soaked in the
comprise one of the commercially important higher concentrations (100%). Vijayanand et
marine renewable resources. They contain al. (2004) reported that lower concentration
different vitamins, minerals, trace elements, of SLF from Stoechospermum marginatum
protein, iodine, bromine and bioactive promoted the growth of brinjal and
substances. The utilization of seaweed in Sivasankari et al. (2006a) also reported
agriculture and horticulture has a long similar effect in Cowpea and Ramamoorthy
history. Ancient Greeks and Chinese applied and Sujatha (2007) reported linear growth of
seaweed mulches to the soil. Some of the both root and shoot in black gram seeds.
commercially available liquid seaweed like Thirumaran et al. (2006) reported with
Cytex, Geomar GA 14, Kelpak 66, Maxicrop Chaetomorpha antennina and Rosenvingea
sea crop 16, Seaspray, Seamac, and intricata on the growth of Abelmoschus
Seamagic-3 etc. Booth (1969) reported that esculentus and Raphanus sativus.
the value of seaweeds as fertilizer is not from Stephenson (1974) recorded that lower
mineral contents but from their trace concentration of SLF prepared from Brown
elements and the metabolites similar to algae Ascophyllum and Laminaria accelerated
cytokinin, auxin, gibberellins and other the growth in maize. Similar results were
related growth hormones. recorded in Padina, which induced maximum
The Cajanus cajan seeds soaked in the growth in Cajanus cajan (Mohan et al., 1994).
lower concentrations of the seaweed liquid Dhargalkar and Untawale (1980) also
fertilizer of Chaetomorpha linum (30%) have reported similar findings with Hypnea
 B. Sathya et al./J Phytol 2/5 (2010) 50-63

musciformis, Spatoglossum asperum, (SLF) and seagrass liquid fertilizer (SGLF)

Stoechosperum marginatum and Sargassum on not only promoted the seedling growth but
the growth of green chilies, turnips and also increased the chlorophyll ‘a’ and ‘b’
pineapples. The effect of Seaweed Liquid contents in the leaf up to 12 days of
fertilizers (SLF) of Caulerpa recemosa and germination in Zea mays which was reported
Gracilaria edulis on growth and biochemical by Asir Selin Kumar et al. (2004).
constituents of Vigna catajung has been The highest protein content was recorded
studied by Anandharaj and Venkatesalu at 20% (S. wightii) concentration of SLF
(2001). The lowest concentration (10%) of soaked treatment in Cajanus cajan. Similar
aqueous extract promoted the seedling results were obtained in Vigna sinensis that
growth, fresh and dry weight in Vigna was treated with Sargassum wightii
catajung. Foliar application of SLF at lower (Sivasankari et al., 2006b) and they reported
concentration was most effective compared that 20% SLF is more effective than the
to control and other concentrations of control. The increase in the protein content at
seaweed liquid fertilizer, which is in lower concentration of SLF might be due to
conformity with green gram and black gram absorption of most of the necessary elements
(Mohan et al., 1994). Aitken & Senn (1965) by the seedlings (Kannan and Tamilselvan,
and Abetz (1980) reported that SLF at very 1990; Anantharaj and Venkatesalu, 2001). The
high concentrations retard plant growth may results coincide with the Abelmoschus
be due to very high salt index observed in esculentus that received 20% SLF of Sargassum
seaweed extracts that may be affecting wightii by Jothinayagi and Anbazhagan
growth and yield. (2009). Thirumaran et al. (2009a) Studied on
The lower concentrations of the seaweed the effect of Chaetomorpha antennina and
liquid fertilizer (20% S. wightii) promoted the Rosenvingea intricata on seed germination,
maximum chlorophyll content of Cajanus fruit settling and weight of vegetable of
cajan when compared to control. Higher Abelmoschus esculentus. They got better
concentrations decreased the chlorophyll results at lower concentration than that of
content. A similar observation was made in higher concentration. The growth rate was
Scytonema sp. (Venkataraman Kumar and increased up to 0.50% concentration and
Mohan, 1997a), Vigna mungo (Venkataraman thereafter it showed a decreasing trend. This
Kumar and Mohan, 1997b) and in Vigna result was coinciding with study of Bhosle et
sinensis (Sivasankari et al., 2006b). The al., (1975).They showed better growth when
seaweed extract applied as foliar spray S. tenerrimum extract was used especially in
enhanced the leaf chlorophyll level in plants lower concentrations.
(Blunden et al., 1996). Similar results were Erulan et al. (2009) reported that Seaweed
also reported by Jothinayagi and liquid fertilizer (SLF) at low concentrations
Anbazhagan (2009). They studied the effect enhanced the growth parameters viz., shoot
of Sargassum wightii on the growth of length, root length, leaf area, fresh weight,
Abelmoschus esculentus and concluded that dry weight and moisture content.
20% SLF of Sargassum wightii is more Biochemical parameters like chlorophyll ‘a’
effective than the control and 100% SLF of and ‘b’, protein, sugars, starch, ascorbic acid
Sargassum wightii. and in vivo nitrate reductase activity were
Thirumaran et al. (2009a) reported that also found higher at 1.5%. The higher
the SLF treatment of Sargassum wightii concentrations like 2, 2.5 and 5% appeared to
increased total chlorophyll and carotenoids be the inhibitory levels for Sorghum reported
content of both the test plants at lower by Vijayanand et al. (2004). The investigation
concentration (20%) of SLF with or without on the effect of crude extract was performed
chemical fertilizer. Whapham et al. (1993) using the seaweed S. plagiophyllum (SLF) and
observed that the application of SLF of the commercial seaweed extract-SM3 on the
Ascophyllum nodosum increased the seed germination and seedling growth in
chlorophyll of Cucumber cotyledons and green gram and black gram. Both SLF and
tomato plants.The seaweed liquid fertilizer SM3 promoted seedling growth upto a
 B. Sathya et al./J Phytol 2/5 (2010) 50-63

concentration of 0.75% in black gram. Green wightii and thereafter in the higher
gram showed the maximum of 0.75% in concentration it declines
black gram. Green gram showed the
maximum concentration of SM3
5. Conclusion
Seaweed fertilizer is a natural bioactive
(Venkataraman Kumar et al., 1993).
material, water-soluble derived from marine
The amino acid content was also found to
macro algae. Seaweed fertilizer could be
be high in 20% SLF (Sargassum wightii) than
absorbed by plant within several hours after
that of the higher concentrations and control.
application and safe to humans, animals and
The sugar content increased up to 20%
the environment. Seaweed liquid fertilizers
concentration of SLF and the content
will be useful for achieving higher
decreased at higher concentrations. Similar
agricultural production, because the extract
results were also reported in Vigna sinensis
contains growth promoting hormones,
by Sivasankari et al. (2006a), the same trend
Cytokinins, Gibberellins, trace elements,
was observed in the Hypnea musciformis with
vitamins, amino acids, antibiotics and
NPK application in black gram (Tamilselvan
micronutrients. From the present study, the
and Kannan, 1994), Vigna catajung and
following conclusion can be drawn on the
Dolichos biflorus (Anandharaj and
effect of seaweed liquid fertilizer on the
Venkatesalu, 2001). Jothinayagi and
growth and biochemical composition of
Anbazhagan (2009) also reported that the
Cajanus cajan: The maximum growth
total sugar content increased at 20% SLF
parameter (root length, shoot length, fresh
concentration in Abelmoschus esculentus after
weight and dry weight) was recorded in the
Sargassum wightii treatment and the content
plants that received 30% SLF of Chaetomorpha
decreased at higher concentrations. The lipid
linum. The maximum photosynthetic
content increased upto 20% concentration
pigments were observed in the plants that
and the content decreased at higher
were treated with 20% SLF of Sargassum
concentrations.
wightii. The maximum biochemical
In general, it was observed that the
composition was observed in the plants that
seaweed liquid fertilizer prepared from the
were treated with 20% SLF of Sargassum
brown alga, Rosenvingea intricata, applied to
wightii. The seaweed liquid fertilizer of
crop plant gave better results in all aspects of
Sargassum wightii is more effective at 20%
growth to yield and soil nutrient content
concentration for biochemical composition
when compared to the seaweed fertilizer of
and photosynthetic pigments. The 30% SLF
green alga (Kannan and Tamilselvan, 1987
of Chaetomorpha linum is more effective in
and Whapham, 1993). Similar results were
Cajanus cajan for growth parameters. Based
reported that the brown alga applied to crop
on the findings of the study Sargassum wightii
plants gave better results when compared to
can be used as the fertilizer for the plants at
the plants that received Chaetomorpha linum
20% concentration in order to increase the
and Grateloupia lithophila. It is probably due
agricultural production. Among the three
to the presence of growth promoting
seaweeds used Sargassum wightii and
hormones and nutrients in more quantities in
Chaetomorpha linum showed better results
the brown alga than in other groups of algae,
than the Grateloupia lithophila at lower
seaweed liquid fertilizer can be applied to
concentration and at higher concentration it
various crop plant in order to enrich the
declines. Thus the SLF was found to be a
nutrient content of the soil and intern to
good source of plant growth but further
increase the growth and yield of cultivable
more research is need to strongly establish
plants.
the mechanism of action of the seaweed
Chaetomorpha linum showed better results
extract on the plant growth.
in case of growth parameters in Cajanus cajan
at 30% SLF concentration where as the Acknowledgments
photosynthetic pigments and biochemical We would like to thank the Hon.
parameters were found to be high in the Chancellor Dr. G. Viswanathan, Mr. Sankar
plants that received 20% SLF of Sargassum Viswanathan, Vice President
 B. Sathya et al./J Phytol 2/5 (2010) 50-63

(Administration), Mr. G.V. Sampath, Vice Ltd., London and Southampton, II Edn.
President (Operations), and authorities of 63-85 pp.
VIT University, Vellore, India for providing Chapman V.J. and Chapman D.J, Seaweeds
all necessary support and laboratory and their uses, 1980. 3rd edition.
infrastructure. Chapman and Hall. London Newyork.
pp: 30-42.
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