Evaluation of red seaweed derived biostimulants and nutrients effect on quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) performance in the Western Himalayas
摘要
Red seaweed-based biostimulants are gaining attention as sustainable alternatives to conventional agrochemicals; however, limited research has been conducted on the use of minimally processed aqueous homogenates (MPHs) derived from commercially standardized powders of red seaweeds under temperate hill agroecosystems. This study evaluated the effects of foliar-applied MPHs prepared from sundried and powdered red seaweeds Kappaphycus alvarezii (K) and Gracilaria salicornia (G) on quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa) performance. MPHs were applied as foliar sprays individually (K or G) or in combination (K and G) at concentrations of 7.5%, 15%, and 22.5% (w/v). These treatments were compared to plants treated with NPK fertilizer (100:50:50 kg ha−1), vermicompost (5 t ha−1), and a control (sprayed with distilled water). All MPHs significantly improved crop growth and yield compared to control, with the combined application of K and G at 15% (w/v) showing the most significant results. This treatment produced significantly higher number of panicles per plant (99.37% and 60.77% increase) and seed yield (195.43% and 199.84% increase) during 2020–21 and 2021–22, respectively. It also significantly enhanced quinoa seed quality, increasing proteins, carbohydrates, fats, crude fiber, and mineral content. The yield improvements were linked to increased photosynthate production, attributed to higher branch and panicle numbers in MPH-treated plants. The combined application of K and G at 22.5% (w/v) and NPK fertilizer also yielded similar results, performing similarly with combined application of K and G at 15% (w/v) treatment. The findings highlight the potential of MPHs as effective foliar treatments for enhancing quinoa yield and nutritional quality. Future research should focus on optimizing the concentration of bioactive compounds in MPHs to maximize their efficacy.