Organic biostimulant from Sargassum polycystum promotes vegetative growth and yield in Sweet Corn (Zea mays L.)

Abstract

The use of seaweed extracts of Sargassum polycystum as an organic biostimulant in sweet corn production is very promising due to its stimulating bioactive compounds. Results showed that foliar application of seaweed extract linearly increased plant height, stem diameter, plant leaf area, leaf greenness level, length of unhusked cob, diameter of unhusked cob, weight of unhusked cob, sweetness level of sweet corn. Further research should be established on using higher concentration of seaweed extract to determine the optimum concentration for increasing yield of sweet corn. In addition, to have more comprehensive understanding of how seaweed extract improves growth and yield of sweet corn it is suggested to evaluate the biochemical changes in the sweet corn.