Acadian Ascophyllum nodosum Extract Improves Early Root Growth and Plant Establishment in Vegetable and Bedding Plant Seedlings and Field-Grown Lettuce and Strawberries

摘要

Many vegetable field crops such as tomato, melon, and lettuce are grown m plug trays under greenhouse conditions prior to transplanting into the field. The development of a large, robust root system is essential for early plant establishment and allows young seedlings to withstand any number of transplant stresses. Seaweed extracts have been shown in bioassay, greenhouse, and field studies to improve root and shoot development of various agricultural plants as well as to alleviate some symptoms typically associated with biotic and abiotic stresses (Khan et al, 2009). Greenhouse experiments at Acadian Agritech's research center in Cornwallis, Nova Scotia, were designed to test the effects of Acadian seaweed extracts (a derivative from the marine algae Ascophyllum nodosum) on root development in lettuce, watermelon, mung bean, pansy, and cosmos. Lettuce and strawberry were also examined in field studies comparing growth effects of Acadian A. nodosum extract to standard grower programs for these crops.