Abstract

A field experiment was conducted during the pre-kharif season at Uttar Chandamari village in 2012 to study the effects of seaweed saps on growth, yield and quality improvement of green gram in new alluvial soil of West Bengal. The foliar spray was applied twice at different concentrations (0, 2.5, 5.0, 7.5, 10.0 and 15.0% v/v) of seaweed extracts (namely Kappaphycus and Gracilaria). Foliar applications of seaweed extract significantly enhanced the growth, yield and quality parameters. The highest grain yield was recorded with applications of 15% Kappaphykus sap + recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF), followed by 15% Gracilaria - sap + RDF extract resulting in an increase by 38.97 and 33.58% grain yield, respectively compared to the control. The maximum straw yield was also achieved with the application of 15% seaweed extract. Improved crop quality and nutrient uptake [nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K)] was also observed with seaweed extract applications.

Key words: Seaweed saps, Kappaphycus, Gracilaria, recommended dose of fertilizer, green gram.