The effect of Ecklonia maxima extract on Medicago x varia T. Martyn biomass

Abstract

In 2013 a field experiment was set up in order to determine the effect of Ecklonia maxima extract on the development of the aboveground biomass of alfalfa (Medicago X Varia T. Martyn). The main experimental factor was a biostimulant based on the extract containing plant hormones. The extract was applied to the experimental units in the form of spraying. The following features were determined in the experiment: plant density, the number of shoots per square meter, dry matter weight per square meter, and the ratio of leaves to the entire biomass. The results were processed statistically with the analysis of variance, while differences between means were verified with Tukey’s test (p ≤ 0.05). Furthermore, the Pearson linear correlation coefficient and the coefficient of determination were calculated in order to determine the relationship between the number of plants and shoots per area unit and biomass weight. Extract application led to an increase in shoot length and density, and the weight of dry matter in individual harvest, but it did not affect plant density and the ratio of alfalfa leaves. However, a decrease of plant density in consecutive years was observed.