Effects of humate supplemented with red seaweed (Ahnfeltia tobuchiensis) on germination and seedling vigour of maize

Abstract

Humic substances (HS) are known as stimulators of seed germination and plant growth. Here we have examined the influence of HS obtained from the extract of a mixture of brown coal and industrial waste of red seaweed, Ahnfeltia tobuchiensis (HS-Ahnfeltia), on the germination of maize seeds. Seeds of Zea mays L. were immersed in HS-Ahnfeltia (treatment) or water (control) and germinated on moist filter paper in sealed Petri dishes. After 5 days of incubation at 28°C, the results showed that treatment with HS-Ahnfeltia promoted seedling growth. While no significant differences occurred in seed emergence, an important increase in root (36%) and shoot (54%) area as well as root (100%) and shoot (54%) dry weight was observed in treated seedlings, resulting in a 100% increase of the seedling vigour. These results suggest that HS-Ahnfeltia extract can be used as an effective agent to increase seedling vigour in crops.