American-Eurasian J. Agric. & Environ. Sci.

, 6 (4): 392-399, 2009

ISSN 1818-6769
© IDOSI Publications, 2009

Studies on the Effect of Sargassum polycystum (C.Agardh, 1824) Extract on

the Growth and Biochemical Composition of Cajanus cajan (L.) Mill sp

V. Erulan, P. Soundarapandian, G. Thirumaran and G. Ananthan

Centre of Advanced Study in Marine Biology, Annamalai University. Parangipettai, Tamilnadu, India

Abstract: In the present study, an attempt has been made to investigate the effect of seaweed liquid fertilizer
of S. polycystum on the seed germination growth, yield, biochemical and pigment characteristics of C. cajan.
The 0.50% concentration of both water and alcohol extract showed better results of seed germination, growth
parameters, biochemical and pigments constitutions. The lowest concentration (0.50%) showed higher seed
germination (99.12±6.03%), shoot length (18.51±2.52 cm), root length (6.96±0.19 cm), fresh weight (0.326±0.037
mg gG1 fr.wt) and dry weight (0.093±0.005 mg gG1 fr.wt). The highest concentrations (1.5%) exhibit the lower
seed germination (81.19±4.83%), shoot length (9.63±1.08 cm), root length (3.21±0.173 cm), fresh weight
(0.148±0.031 mg gG1 fr.wt) and dry weight (0.042±0.005 mg gG1 fr.wt). The biochemical composition such as
protein (4.48%±0.138%), lipid (5.96%±0.039%) and carbohydrate (9.21%±0.482%) showed the maximum at 0.50%
concentration. The minimum biochemical composition such as protein (1.187%±0.047%), lipid (2.573%±0.050%)
and carbohydrate (4.987%±0.411%) was recorded at 1.5% concentration. Pigment content such as chlorophyll
‘a’(0.615±0.032 mg gG1 fr.wt), chlorophyll ‘b’ (0.445±0.13 mg gG1 fr.wt), total chlorophyll (1.107±0.041 mg gG1
fr.wt) and carotenoids (0.712±0.52 mg gG1 fr.wt) shows the maximum at lower concentration (0.50%) than that
of higher concentration (1.5%).

Key words:Seaweed Liquid Fertilizer % Sargassum polycystum % Cajanus cajan % Growth % Yield % Proximate
Composition and Pigment Analyses

INTRODUCTION hormones, regulators, promoters carbohydrates, amino

Seaweeds are marine macro algae, which form an
important component of the marine living resources of the
world. They are available largely in shallow coastal waters
of sea, estuaries and backwaters. Seaweeds are marine
non-flowering plant which lack flowers, true shoot, root,
stem and leaf system. Seaweeds usually grow vertically
away from the substratum which brings them closure to
light; major environmental factors such as light,
temperature, salinity, water motion and nutrient
availability are related to seaweeds growth. Water
(Nutrients) uptake and photosynthesis take place over
entire surface of the thallus in contrast to vascular plants.
Seaweeds are classified into three groups namely green
(Chlorophyceae), brown (Phaeophyceae) and red
(Rhodophyceae) based on their pigments like
chlorophylls, carotenoids and phycobiliproteins.
The growing agricultural practices need more
fertilizers for higher yield to satisfy food for human
beings. The seaweed extracts contain plant growth
acids, antibiotics, auxins, gibberellins and vitamins
consequently which enhance the yield and quality which
are induce the yield of crops, seed germination, resistance
to frost, fungal and insect attacks.
Seaweed cast continued to be so valuable to farmers,
even in the early 1990s [1] in many countries seaweed and
beach cast are still used in both agriculture and
horticulture [2, 3]. Many studies in the past three decades
have found wide application in modern agriculture for
using marine macro algae as fertilizer. They are used as
whole or finely chopped powdered algal manure or
aqueous extracts.
The effect of seaweed liquid fertilizers (SLF) of
Caulerpa recemosa and Gracilaria edulis on growth
and biochemical constituents of Vigna catajung has
been studied. The lowest concentration (10%) of
aqueous extract promoted the seedling growth, fresh
and dry weight, chlorophyll content, protein, amino
acid and deducing for total sugar content in Vigna
catajung [4].

Corresponding Author: P. Soundarapandian, CAS in Marine Biology, Annamalai University,

Parangipettai,Tamilnadu, India-608502 Tel: +91-4144-243223
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 Am-Euras. J. Agric. & Environ. Sci., 6 (4): 392-399, 2009
The extracts (SLF) from Enteromorpha intestinalis
showed the maximum activity in terms of increase in seed
germination, length of main root and shoot system and
also increased chlorophyll content [5]. The levels of
endogenous free and total Auxin (IAA), Gibberellic acid
(GA3), Abscisic acid (ABA) and Cytokinin (zeatin), were
examined in some species of mosses and lichens [6].
The effect of seaweed liquid fertilizer (SLF) prepared
from Sargassum wightii on biochemical constituents of
V. radiata has been studied by Sivasankari et al. [7].
The lowest (10%) concentration increased the pigment
content, protein, amino acid, total sugar content, catalase,
peroxidase and polyphenol oxidase activities.
The effect of Chaetomorpha antennina and
Rosenvingea intricata on seed germination, fruit settling
and weight of vegetable of Abelmoschus esculenus
were investigated by Thirumaran et al [8]. An attempt was
made to investigate the effect of seaweed liquid fertilizer
of Rosenvigea intricata with or without chemical fertilizer
on seed germination, growth, yield, pigment content and
soil profile of Abelmoschus esculentus [9, 10].
In recent years, the use of these marine macro algae
in modern agriculture has been investigated by Rama Rao
[11, 12], Manimala and Rengasamy [13], Whapham et al.
[14], Lopez-Musquera and Pazas [15] and Rajarajan [16].
Apart from the effect of SLF on the growth of higher plant
there are also few studies on the effect of SLF on
microorganisms [17]. Seaweed extract is definitely
capable of promoting growth in both higher plants and
prokaryotic organisms [18]. Also, there is a need to study
the use of macro algal preparations on the growth and
dynamics of the soil microbial community, especially
those concerned with biological nitrogen fixation and their
host legume. The present study intends to investigate the
effect of seaweed liquid fertilizer (SLF) prepared from
the brown algae, Sargassum polycystum on the growth,
Fig. 1: Map Showing the Study Area
393
biochemical and pigment characteristics of red gram
(C. cajan).
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Study Area: Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve is actually
situated in the southern part of the peninsular India; this
extends from Adams Bridge to Cape Comorin (Fig. 1). This
area is remarkable for its diversity of flora and fauna and
it also sustains a good fishery. The species of marine
macro alga S. polycystum (C.Agardh) were collected from
shallow waters of the Gulf of Mannar region (Lat.9° 17’N
Long.79° 17’E) at Mandapam, southeast coast of India.
Site was chosen in this region based on the abundance
and distribution of different species of algae. The
substrate comprised of sand with boulders and platforms
of compressed sand stones with rough uneven surfaces
at different lends. In the intertidal region, the algae are
completely submerged during high tide and are exposed
during the low tide. This species was available on mud
covered coralline rocks and they were fully covered with
this algae. Edna (1981) reported this as an edible one. S.
polycystum was obtained in sufficient quantity for
subsequent extraction.
Collection of Seaweeds: The seaweed S. polycystum was
collected from Gulf of Mannar, south east coast of India
near Mandapam. The collected seaweeds were washed
with salt water to remove all the epiphytes and then
allowed in distilled water to remove the salts.
Subsequently the seaweeds were air dried for few days,
then cut into small pieces and made into powder. The
powdered seaweed was extracted with water and alcohol
and both extracts were used for different analyses like
growth parameters, biochemical and pigment composition
in C cajan.
 Am-Euras. J. Agric. & Environ. Sci., 6 (4): 392-399, 2009

Flow chart for the Preparation of Seaweed Liquid Details of Treatment: Different concentrations of
Fertilizer seaweed liquid fertilizer (water and alcohol extract)

Seaweed liquid fertilizer preparation [11] C Water Extract-Different Concentrations (0.1, 0.25,
9
0.50, 0.75, 1.0 and 1. 5%)
Fresh seaweed
9 C Alcohol Extract-Different Concentrations (0.1, 0.25,
Washed thoroughly to remove all epiphytes and sand 0.50, 0.75, 1.0 and 1. 5%).
9
Particles with tap water
9 Experiment-I: One forty numbers of healthy and uniform
Shade dried for five days sized seeds of red gram (C. cajan) were divided into 7
9
batches (Each petriplate/20 seeds). Then they were
Hand crushed
9 treated with different concentrations of water extracted
The sample was ground using mixer-grinder seaweed (0.1, 0.25, 0.50, 0.75, 1.0 and 1. 5%) for every 12
9
hrs. One batch of seeds was kept as control and treated
The coarse powder was collected
9 with water.
The coarse powder was mixed with distilled water in ratio of 1:20 (W/V)
9 Experiment-II: One forty numbers of healthy and uniform
Autoclaved at 121°C, 20 1bs for 60 minutes
9 sized seeds of red gram were divided into 7 batches
Filtered through cheese cloth (Each petriplate/20 seeds). Then they were treated with
9 different concentration of alcohol extracted seaweed (0.1,
The filtrate was collected at 4°C
9 0.25, 0.50, 0.75, 1.0 and 1. 5%) for every 12 hrs. One batch
The supernatant was centrifuged and dried on of seeds was considered as control and treated with
an oven at 60°C for 48 hours water.
9
The 100% seaweed extract was collected using distilled water
9 Germination Test (Inclined plate Method): Germination
Prepare different concentrations of SLF were prepared from 100% seaweed test of 100 with four sub replicates of 20 seeds each was
carried out in paper medium with modification using
Preparation of SLF using distilled water: Chopped inclined plate method in a germination room. It was
seaweed (1 Kg) was boiled with 1 liter of distilled water for maintained at 25±1.5°C and RH 96±2 percent with diffuse
1 hour and then filtered. The filtrate was taken as 100% light (approximately 10 hours) during the day. The normal
concentration; then that was made up into different seedling was recorded on 7th day of the culture period and
concentrations (0.1, 0.25, 0.50, 0.75, 1.0 and 1. 5%) by the percentage of germination was computed.
using distilled water.
Root and Shoot length: All the normal seedlings from each
Preparation of SLF using Ethanol: Powdered seaweed replication were used for growth measurements. The
(100g) was mixed with 100 ml of alcohol and stirred well shoot length was measured from the collar region to tip of
and then filtered. The filtrate was considered as 100% the shoot and the root length was calculated from the
concentration of SLF and then made up to different collar region to tip of the primary root. The mean values
concentrations (0.1, 0.25, 0.50, 0.75, 1.0 and 1. 5%). were expressed in Cm.

Crop Plant Selection: The crop plant selected for the
present study was red gram (C. cajan). It is a
Leguminoseae family, cultivated throughout Indian
subcontinent. The seeds for the study purpose were
collected from the regional pulses research station,
Agricultural University, Department of Seed Science
Technology, Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India. Healthy seeds
free from visible infection, with uniform size, colour and
weight were segregated; then the seeds were stored in
metal tin container as suggested by Rao [19].
Fresh and Dry weight: The uprooted plants were washed
and separated into root and shoot; they were blotted in
blotting paper and weighed. They were dried in a hot air
oven at 80°C for 24 hours and then dry weight was taken
by using an electrical single pan balance. The mean
values were expressed in mg gG1.fr.wt.
Pigment Analyses: The amount of chlorophyll present in
the leaf was estimated by method of Arnon [20].
Carotenoids were estimated by Kirk and Allen [21].

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 Am-Euras. J. Agric. & Environ. Sci., 6 (4): 392-399, 2009

Biochemical Analyses: The total carbohydrate was

estimated by Phenol-sulphuric acid method of
Dubois et al. [22]. The total protein was estimated using
the Biuret method of Raymont et al. [23]. The extraction of
lipid was done by the chloroform-methanol method [24].

RESULTS

Growth Parameters: The effect of different

concentrations of water and alcohol extracts of seaweed Fig. 2: Seed Germination of C. Cajan
(S. polycystum) treated on the growth of C. cajan was
studied. The parameters such as seed germination, shoot
length, root length, fresh and dry weights were recorded.

Seed germination: The percentage of seed germination of

C. cajan was varied from 81.19±4.83 to 99.12±6.03. The
highest germination percentage (99.12±6.03) was
observed at 0.50% concentration of alcohol extracts in red
gram. The lowest germination percentage (81.19±4.83) was
recorded from 1.5% concentration of same alcohol extract.
The germination percentage was increased upto 0.50% Fig. 3: Shoot Length of C. Cajan
concentration and thereafter declined. The value was
expressed in percentage/seedlings (Fig.2).
In C.cajan, shoot length ranged from 9.63±1.08 to
18.51±2.52 cm/seedlings. The highest shoot length
(18.51±2.52) occurred at 0.50% concentration of alcohol
extracted seaweed and the lowest value of shoot length
(9.63±1.08) was recorded at 1.5% concentration of the
similar alcohol extract (Fig.3).
The root length of red gram varied from 3.21±0.173 to
6.96±0.198 cm/seedlings and the maximum value Fig. 4: Root length of C. cajan
(6.24±0.187; 6.96±0.198) was obtained at 0.50%
concentration of both water and alcohol extracts,
respectively. The minimum value (3.21±0.173) occurred at
1.5% concentration of alcohol extract (Fig.4).
Fresh weight of C.cajan ranged from 0.148±0.031 to
0.326±0.037 mg gG1. fr.wt. Seedlings and the greatest
values (0.326±0.037; 0.293±0.041) occurred at 0.50%
concentration of both alcohol and water extracts. The
lowest value (0.148±0.031) obtained at 1.5% concentration
of alcohol extract. The fresh weight was increased up to Fig. 5: Fresh Weight of C. Cajan
0.50% concentration and there after it showed a declining
manner (Fig.5). Photosynthetic pigments: The Chlorophyll ‘a’
The dry weight of C.cajan values varied from composition ranged between 0.615±0.032 to
0.093±0.005 to 0.042±0.005 mg gG1. fr.wt seedlings and the 1
0.331±0.014 mg gG fr.wt. The maximum (0.615±0.032)
maximum value (0.093±0.005 to 0.083±0.006) was found at was observed at 0.50% concentration of alcohol
0.50% concentration of both alcohol and water extracts. extracts and the minimum (0.331±0.014) chlorophyll ‘a’
The minimum value (0.042±0.005) was observed at 1.5% content was recorded at 1.5% concentration of the same
concentration of water extracts (Fig.6). alcohol extract (Fig.7).

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 Am-Euras. J. Agric. & Environ. Sci., 6 (4): 392-399, 2009

Fig. 6: Dry Weight of C. Cajan Fig. 9: Total Chlorophyll Content of C. Cajan

Fig. 7: Chlorophyll ‘a’ Content of C. Cajan Fig. 10: Carotenoid Content of C. Cajan
7

6
Protein %

1
0

10% WT

15% WT
1% WT

5% WT

15% AT
Control

2.5% AT

7.5% AT
2.5% WT

7.5% WT

10% AT
1% AT

5% AT

Fig. 8: Chlorophyll ‘b’ Content of C. Cajan
The Chlorophyll ‘b’ in C. cajan ranged from
0.455±0.013 to 0.243±0.021 mg gG1 fr.wt and the highest
value (0.455±0.013) was obtained at 0.50% concentration
of alcohol extract. The minimum (0.243±0.021) chlorophyll
‘b’ content was record at 1.5% concentration of alcohol
extract (Fig.8).
The total chlorophyll content ranged between
1.107±0.041 to 0.586±0.041 mg gG1 fr.wt and the highest
value (1.107±0.041; 0.904±0.062) of total chlorophyll was
obtained from 0.50% of both alcohol and water extracts
respectively. The lowest (0.586±0.041) concentration of
total chlorophyll content was obtained at 1.5%
concentration of alcohol extract (Fig.9).
The carotenoids content ranged from 0.712±0.052 to
0.415±0.021 mg gG1 fr. wt and highest value (0.712±0.052;
0.682±0.045) were found at 0.50% concentration of both
alcohol and water extracts. The lowest value (0.415±0.021)
was obtained at 1.5% concentration of alcohol extracts.
Different Concentration
Fig. 11: Protein Content of C. Cajan
The experimental plant significantly increased pigment
concentration upto 0.50% and thereafter decreasing trend
when compared to control (Fig.10).
Biochemical parameters: The biochemical parameters
like protein, lipid and carbohydrate contents were
analyzed at different concentrations of water and
alcohol extracts. The protein content ranged
between 4.482%±0.138% to 1.187%±0.047% and the
maximum (4.482%±0.138%, 4.163%±0.126%) was
recorded at 0.50% of both alcohol and water
extracts respectively. The minimum (1.187%±0.047%)
was observed at 1.5% concentration of alcohol
extract. The protein value was increased upto 0.50%
concentration of both alcohol and water extracts and
thereafter it showed a diminishing trend when compared
to control (Fig.11).

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 Am-Euras. J. Agric. & Environ. Sci., 6 (4): 392-399, 2009

5 Dhargalkar and Untawale [25] reported that seaweed

4.5
4 liquid fertilizer (SLF) treatment enhanced the rate of seed
3.5
3
germination in green chilies and turnip and found that
Lipid %

2.5 lower concentration of seaweed liquid fertilizer increased

2
1.5 the germination percentage than higher concentration.
1
0.5
Similar observation was made in C. cajan seaweed extract
0 of the present study seaweed extracts treated on the

10% WT

15% WT
1% WT

2.5% WT

2.5% AT

5% WT

7.5% WT

7.5% AT

10% AT

15% AT
Control

1% AT

5% AT
vegetable crops of Abelmoschus esculentus and
Lycopersicon lycopericum. Different concentrations
Different Concentration
(10, 15, 20, 25 and 30%) of SLF were used and better
Fig. 12: Lipid Content of C. cajan results were obtained in lower doses (10, 15, 20) reported
12
by Selvaraj et al. [26].
10
Studies on the effect of Chaetomorpha antennina
8
and Rosenvingea intricata on seed germination, fruit
settling and weight of vegetable of Abelmoschus
Carbohydrate %

6
esculenus. Were carried out by Thirumaran et al. [8].
4
They got better results at lower concentration than
2
that of higher concentration In the present study,
0
lower concentration (0.50%) exhibited higher seed
1% WT

2.5% WT

5% WT

7.5% WT

10% WT

15% WT
Control

10% AT

15% AT
2.5% AT

7.5% AT
1% AT

5% AT

germination (99.12±6.03%) shoot length (18.51±2.52 cm),

Different Concentration
root length (6.96±0.19 cm), fresh weight (0.326±0.037
mg gG1 fr.wt) and dry weight (0.093±0.005 mg gG1 fr. wt)
Fig. 13: Carbohydrate Content of C. cajan than higher concentration. The growth rate was increased
up to 0.50% concentration and thereafter it showed a
The lipid content of C. cajan varied from decreasing trend. This result was coinciding with study
5.96%±0.039% to 2.573%±0.050% and the higher value of Bhosle et al. [27]. They showed better growth when
(5.96%±0.039%, 4.562%±0.028%) obtained at 0.50% S. tenerrimum extract was used especially in lower
concentration of both alcohol and water extracts. The concentrations.
minimum value (2.573±0.050) was observed at 1.5% Seaweed liquid fertilizer (SLF) at low concentrations
concentration of alcohol extract (Fig.12). enhanced the growth parameters viz., shoot length,
The carbohydrate content of C. cajan ranges root length, leaf area, fresh weight, dry weight and
between 9.210%±0.482% to 4.987%±0.411% and the moisture content. Biochemical parameters like chlorophyll
maximum value (9.210±0.482; 8.673±0.436) was obtained ‘a’ and ‘b’, protein, sugars, starch, ascorbic acid and
at 0.50% concentration of both alcohol and water in vivo nitrate reductase activity were also found higher
extracts. The minimum value (4.987±0.411) was observed at 1.5%. The higher concentrations like 2, 2.5 and 5%
at 1.5% concentration of alcohol extract. The protein, appeared to be the inhibitory levels for Sorghum
lipid and carbohydrate values were increased up to reported by Ashok et al. [28]. The investigation on the
0.50% concentration of both alcohol and water extracts effect of crude extract was performed using the seaweed
and thereafter it showed a decreasing manner when S. plagiophyllum (SLF) and the commercial seaweed
compared to control plant (Fig. 13). extract-SM3 on the seed germination and seedling
growth in green gram and black gram. Both SLF and
DISCUSSION SM3 promoted seedling growth upto a concentration
of 0.75% in black gram. Green gram showed the maximum
The effect of seaweed Liquid fertilizers (SLF) of seedling growth at 1.5% concentration of SLF and 1.0%
Caulerpa recemosa and G.edulis on growth and concentration of SM3 [29]. The earlier investigation
biochemical constituents of V. catajung has been was in contrast to the present study, as the
studied by Anandharaj and Venkatesalu [4]. The lowest concentrations varied from 0.1 to 1.5% and the maximum
concentration (10%) of aqueous extract promoted the growth rate, biochemical and pigment concentration was
seedling growth, fresh and dry weight in V. catajung. observed at 0.50% concentration.

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 Am-Euras. J. Agric. & Environ. Sci., 6 (4): 392-399, 2009
Studies on water stress in the black gram V. mungo
(L) Hepper with SLF and PEG (Polyethylene Glycol)
revealed that the seedling drenched with 1% SLF did not
wilt up to 4 days after stress imposition and appeared like
control plants. Whereas, plants treated with 1% PEG and
plants grown without any treatment wilted on the 3rd day
after subjecting to waters deficiency. The seedlings
grown in 1% SLF accumulated total soluble proteins at
significant levels during the stress period [30].
The lowest concentrations of SLF (0.025 and 0.05%)
from Ulva lactuca to be responsible for enhancing the
growth characteristics of the alga (Pirulina flatensis) was
reported by Sridhar and Rengasamy [31]. The effect of
seaweed liquid fertilizer (SLF) prepared from S. wightii on
biochemical constituents of V.radiata was studied by
Sivasankari et al. [7], where the lowest (10%)
concentration increased the pigment content, protein,
amino acid, total sugar content, catalase, peroxidase and
polyphenol oxidase activities. The seaweed liquid fertilizer
(SLF) and seagrass liquid fertilizer (SGLF) not only
promoted the seedling growth but also increased the
chlorophyll ‘a’ and ‘b’ contents in the leaf up to 12 days
of germination in Zea mays which was reported by Asir
Selin Kumar et al. [32]. The lowest concentration of SLF
(10%) has shown remarkable effect on plants than higher
concentrations. The results of the present study the
coincides with that of the above study. The biochemical
composition such as protein (4.48%±0.138%), lipid
(5.96%±0.039%), carbohydrate (9.21%±0.482%) and
pigment contents such as chlorophyll ‘a’
(0.615%±0.032%) chlorophyll ‘b’ (0.445%±0.13%). Total
chlorophyll (1.107%±0.041%) and carotenoids
(0.712%±0.52%) showed a maximum at lower
concentration (0.50%) and thereafter it showed a reducing
manner at a higher concentration (1.5%).
The investigation on the effect of seaweed liquid
fertilizer of Rosenvigea intricata with or without chemical
fertilizer on seed germination, growth, yield, pigment
content and soil profile of Abelmoschus esculentus was
carried by Thirumaran et al. [9, 10].The Seed germination,
shoot length, root length, number of lateral roots, number
of leaves, number of vegetables, length of vegetables,
weight of vegetables, chlorophyll ‘a’, chlorophyll ‘b’, total
chlorophyll and carotenoids were found to be the
maximum at 20% SLF with or without chemical fertilizer. So
it may be concluded from their study that, lower dose
(20%) of SLF with or without chemical fertilizer leads to
higher growth, yield, chlorophyll pigment and soil profile
compared to other concentrations.
398
CONCLUSION
Approximately 70% of the population thrives in rural
areas, engaged in agriculture, making the backbone of the
economy. The fast growing population is mounting
tremendous pressure in food production. To meet out this
increasing demand, farmers use chemical fertilizers to
enhance the crop production. The toxic chemicals (arsenic
and cadmium) from the chemical fertilizers accumulate in
plant products and ultimately reach to dinning tables
causing health problems in human beings by
biomagnifications in recent years. The use of natural
seaweed products as substitutes to the conventional
synthetic fertilizers has assumed importance. In
agriculture, the application of seaweeds are so many, as
soil conditioners, fertilizers and green manure, due to the
presence of high amount of potassium salts,
micronutrients and growth substances. The present study
is an additional information for an alternate to synthetic
fertilizers and further study is necessary to recompense
the constraints.
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