Physiological Response of Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) Seeds and Seedlings to Dasycladus vermicularis and Jania rubens Seaweed Extracts
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.54172/6dby9p39Keywords:
Biofertilizers, Germination Bioassay, Extracts, Dasycladus vermicularis, Jania rubens, Trigonella foenum-graecum.Abstract
This study evaluates the biostimulatory efficacy of aqueous macroalgal extracts derived from Dasycladus vermicularis (DVAE) and Jania rubens (JRAE) as sustainable biofertilizers. The physiological impacts of these extracts were assessed across a gradient of concentrations (0.1%, 0.5%, 1.0%, 1.5%, and 2.0%, alongside an untreated control) on the germination dynamics and early seedling ontogeny of Trigonella foenum-graecum. Empirical observations revealed that exogenous application of both donor species significantly enhanced key germination indices, including germination percentage (GP), seed germination index (SGI), and germination energy (GE). Furthermore, vegetative vigor was positively influenced, as evidenced by a marked elongation in both plumule (PL) and radicle (RL) lengths. This morpho-physiological promotion was strongly coupled with an elevation in the total photosynthetic pigment profile of T. foenum-graecum seedlings, driven by the simultaneous upregulation of chlorophyll a and chlorophyll b contents. Given the pronounced biofertilizing potency exhibited by D. vermicularis and J. rubens, particularly at lower concentrations, further field-scale investigations are warranted to validate their selective agronomic performance under diverse environmental conditions.
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