Enteromorpha intestinalis Derived Seaweed Liquid Fertilizers as Prospective Biostimulant for Glycine max

In the present study, the potential of seaweed liquid fertilizer (SLF) of marine algae Enteromorpha intestinalis was evaluated for its effect on seed germination, yield, biochemical parameters and pigment characteristics of Glycine max. E. intestinalis was collected form Mandapam coast of Gulf of Mannar, Tamil Nadu, and the dried seaweeds were used for the preparation of SLF. G. max seeds were germinated with four different concentrations (20, 40, 60, and 100%) of SLF; its growth and yield parameters were evaluated and compared with chemical fertilizer and control. The morphological and bio-chemical parameters such as seed germination (100%), root (6.6cm) and shoot length (5.4 cm), carbohydrates (0.098 mg/g), protein (0.56 mg/g), pigment (0.444 mg/g chl a; 1.073 mg/g chl b; 3.70 mg/g carotenoids) of the plant was found maximum at a concentration of 60% SLF. The phenol content (3.25 mg/g) was maximum in 40% SLF. The GC-MS analysis of SLF revealed the presence of notable benzoic compounds involved in plant growth promotion. Results showed that E. intestinalis derived SLF was potential biostimulant for G. max. Thus, marine algae based fertilizer could be an effective and alternate to the chemical fertilizers emphasizing the need for systematic evaluation programme for SLF on various crops.