TITLE:
Effects of Fermented Nori (Pyropia yezoensis) Liquid Fertilizer on Plant Growth Characteristics and Nutrient Content of Komatsuna (Brassica rapa L. var. Wakana Komatsuna) Cultivated in Vermiculite
AUTHORS:
Seinn Moh Moh, Kyi Moe, Yasumasa Obo, Shiniti Obo, Aung Zaw Htwe, Takeo Yamakawa
KEYWORDS:
Nori (Pyropia yezonensis), Komatsuna (Brassica rapa L), Aerobic and Anaerobic Fermentation, Basal and Foliar Application, Macro-Nutrient Content, I Content
JOURNAL NAME:
American Journal of Plant Sciences,
Vol.9 No.8,
July
6,
2018
ABSTRACT: We
conducted plant growth experiments in microbe-free vermiculite to study the
effects of four types of fermented seaweed liquid fertilizer (SLF) made from
nori (Pyropia yezoensis) seaweed on the germination, plant growth
characteristics, SPAD value, and nutrient content and uptake of komatsuna (Brassica rapa L. var. wakana komatsuna). The four types of
fermented nori SLF used in this study were prepared by anaerobic fermentation
of unwashed nori (SLF1), aerobic fermentation of unwashed nori (SLF2), anaerobic
fermentation of washed nori (SLF3), and aerobic fermentation of washed nori
(SLF4). Komatsuna seeds treated with 200-, 300-, and 400-fold dilutions of SLFs
exhibited improved relative germination ratios (RGRs) at 3 and 4 days after
sowing (DAS). At 4 DAS, the RGRs of seeds treated with 10-, 100-, 200-, 300-,
and 400-fold SLF dilutions showed no differential effect. Seeds treated with
undiluted SLFs did not germinate by 4 DAS. SLF1 may promote komatsuna seed
germination. The nitrogen (N), calcium, magnesium, sodium (Na), and iodine (I)
contents of plants treated with SLF1 were significantly increased relative to
plants treated with the other SLFs. Moreover, the I and Na contents of plants
were significantly increased by foliar spray application of different dilutions
of SLF1. However, SLF treatment markedly reduced the shoot dry weight compared
with 1/2-strength modified Hoagland nutrient (MHN) solution, although the same
amounts of N and K were applied. SPAD values of the plants treated with SLFs
were significantly higher than those of plants treated with MHN. Foliar
treatment with SLFs had no significant effect on plant growth, SPAD value, or
uptake of nutrients (except Na) relative to the control, but the I content was
increased. Plants treated with SLF1 and SLF2 exhibited the highest Na uptake.
Foliar spray treatments with SLF1 resulted in the highest I contents in plants.
Based on our results, SLF1 is suitable for use as a liquid fertilizer to
promote germination and increase nutrient content in komatsuna. These results
need to be followed up in soil experiments in the presence of microbes in the
rhizosphere.