Potential of Kappaphycus alvarezii (seaweed) extract as biostimulant on the growth of mangrove propagules (Rhizophora mangle L.) through foliar application

Abstract

This study investigated the potential of seaweed extract of Kappaphycus alvarezii as biostimulant in 3% concentration on the relative growth rate, net assimilation rate, and root to shoot ratio of mangrove propagules of Rhizophora mangle L. through different day- intervals of foliar application under field experiment. There were two factors included: factor A- types of treatment (A1- water, A2- seaweed extract, A3- commercial biostimulant); and, factor B- different day-interval of application (B1- 4 days, B2- 8 days, B3- 12 days). It was revealed that 3% concentration of seaweed extract of K. Alvarezii had no significant effect on the rate growth rate, net assimilation rate, and root to shoot ratio of mangrove propagules of R. Mangle L. Moreover, seaweed extract of K. alvarezii as biostimulant in 3% concentration had no significant difference to the commercial foliar biostimulant and to the different day- intervals of application. This study recommends to explore higher concentration of seaweed extract from K. Alvarezii on propagules of R. Mangle L. and other mangrove species in a greenhouse setting.