Utilization of seaweeds in enhancing productivity and quality of black gram [Vigna mungo (L.) Hepper] for sustainable agriculture

Seaweed and seaweed-derived products have been widely used as biostimulants for crop production, however, the biostimulatory potential of many seaweed’s extract has not been fully exploited due to the lack of scientific data on field experiments. In present investigation, a field experiment was carried to study the corollary of foliar application of seaweed extract on black gram [Vigna mungo (L.) Hepper] under rainfed condition during rainy (kharif) season of 2010. Seaweed extracts (prepared from Kappaphycus alvarezii and Gracilaria edulis) were applied to the foliage at diverse concentrations (0, 2.5, 5, 10 and 15%) twice during the crop period. It was found that both the extracts were very effective and enhanced the yield, growth and improved the quality of the produce. The yield of seed had increased by 47.52% and 42.52% with the application of K. alvarezii and G. edulis extracts, respectively when applied at 10% conc. Not only this, but other yield attributing characters, viz. number of pods/plant, pod weight, seed weight/plant and test weight of seed also have been augmented. The quality of seeds was also improved under the influence of the seaweed extract treatments. The foliar application of seaweed extracts to black gram crop has significantly increased uptake of almost all the nutrients. Thus, foliar applications of seaweed extracts could be a promising option for yield enhancement and sustainable agriculture