Seed quality of chickpea and common bean as a function of the application of Ascophyllum Nodosum doses seaweed extract

Abstract

The application of A. nodosum based seaweed extract can enhance seed quality. However, the positive results regarding the use of this technology remain unclear. This study investigated the impact of different doses of organomineral seaweed-based fertilizer on the seed quality of chickpea and common bean. A completely randomized design was used with four replications, and the treatments consisted of seed treatments with five doses of A. nodosum seaweed extract for chickpea (0, 50, 100, 150, and 200 mL of extract per 100 kg of seeds) and of (0, 125, 250, 375 and 500 mL of extract per 100 kg of seeds) for common bean. After harvest, the seeds were analyzed using the following tests: germination, first count, seedling length, and seedling dry mass. It was concluded that the seed quality of chickpea and common bean was influenced by the addition of A. nodosum seaweed extract. Doses of seaweed extract higher than 100 and 250 mL per 100 kg of seeds negatively affected the physiology of chickpea and bean seeds, respectively. The doses of 100 and 250 mL per 100 kg of seeds resulted in higher-quality seed lots of chickpea and common bean, offering valuable insights for future agricultural practices and the advancement of sustainable, cost-effective production.