Effect of algal extract on the seedling attributes of important vegetables and field crops

Objective: A laboratory experiment was conducted to know the effect of BGA extract on seedling growth. Methods: Different concentrations of algal extract were used for seed treatment (25%, 50%, 75%, 100% and untreated) in crops viz., Chilli, Tomato, Carrot, Beans, Maize, Paddy and Ragi were. Then the observation on shoot length, root length, seedling length and seedling dry weight were recorded. Results: In this study significantly higher (11.45 cm) shoot length was recorded in BGA @100%. Significant differences were recorded among the crops when they subjected for various concentrations of BGA for shoot length. Significantly higher (18.93 cm) root length was observed in Maize and lower (6.99 cm) shoot length was recorded in Cucumber. Meanwhile, higher (11.57 cm) root length was recorded in BGA @ 50% concentration. Among crops higher (21.22 cm) root length was observed in Maize and lower (5.52 cm) root length was recorded in Ragi. However, higher (22.42 cm) mean seedling length was recorded in BGA @75% concentration. Significantly higher (40.14 cm) seedling length was observed in Maize and lower (12.92 cm) seedling length was recorded in Ragi. Seedling dry weight varied significantly, higher (21.26 mg) Seedling dry weight was recorded in BGA @100% concentration meanwhile, higher (63.71 mg) seedling dry weight was observed in Maize and lower (4.22 mg) seedling dry weight was recorded in Carrot. And lower shoot length (7.99 cm), root length (8.05 cm), seedling length (16.04 cm) seedling dry weight (16.85 mg) were observed in control. Conclusion: The results revealed that algal extract able to increase the seedling growth.