Effect of the green macroalgae Chaetomorpha linum liquid extract on the germination, growth and pigments concentration of the chickpea Cicer arietinum L., 1753

Abstract

Fertilizer production and application are growing excessively with increased agricultural expenses and environmental damage. As alternatives, organic fertilizers issued from natural resources such as seaweed liquid extracts (SLE) are considered as potential plant biostimulant agents. In this study, the impact of the green algae Chaetomorpha linum SLE on seed germination, yield and pigmenting characteristics of the chickpea Cicer arietinum was investigated in laboratory settings and in pots. Several SLE concentrations varying from 1%, 3%, 5%, 8% to 10% were prepared using distilled water.

The application of SLE significantly affected all assessed parameters over the control (0%). Use of SLE at the lowest concentration (1%) showed maximum seed germination, root and shoot length and contents of total chlorophyll, chl (a), and chl (b). Accordingly, the results suggest that C. linum SLE could be used as an alternative organic fertilizer because it is environmentally friendly and profitable. This extract, rich in plants growth components, could find its future use in various sectors.