ABSTRACT A two-year field experiment (2020–2022) was conducted under rainfed conditions to evaluate the effect of foliar application of seaweed liquid extract (SLE) on yield, grain quality, nutrient uptake, nutraceutical content, and antioxidant activity of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.). The experiment followed a Randomized Complete Block Design with eight SLE concentrations: 0% (T1), 2% (T2), 5% (T3), 10% (T4), 15% (T5), 25% (T6), 50% (T7), and 100% (T8), each replicated thrice. Results revealed that SLE significantly enhanced grain yield, recording a maximum of 990 kg ha−1 at 25% concentration compared to 545 kg ha−1 in the control. The same treatment also resulted in the highest crude protein, carbohydrate, and ash content, with notable increases in nitrogen (25.03 g kg−1), phosphorus, potassium, and micronutrients such as iron and zinc. Similarly, nutraceutical properties including total phenols (124.3 mg GAE/100 g) and flavonoids (104.7 mg Rutin/100 g) increased, accompanied by higher antioxidant activity as confirmed through DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP assays. Multivariate analyses, including PCA and composite desirability index, consistently identified 25% SLE as the optimum level, while 100% concentration showed inhibitory effects. Overall, foliar application of SLE at 25% significantly improved yield and grain quality, supporting its use in sustainable, low-input cowpea production systems.
Swarnam T. P., A. Velmurugan, V. Banu et al.· Communications in Soil Scien...· 0 citations
Nanotechnology is increasingly being explored as a modern approach to make agriculture more sustainable, especially through the use of zinc (Zn) and selenium (Se) nanoparticles in seed science. This review focuses on how these nanoparticles improve seed germination, early seedling growth, and the ability of plants to withstand environmental stresses. Zinc nanoparticles, particularly ZnO, support important plant processes such as enzyme activity, nutrient absorption, and hormone balance, which are essential for healthy early growth, while selenium nanoparticles, although not considered essential for plants, play a valuable role in strengthening antioxidant systems, controlling harmful reactive oxygen species, and helping plants tolerate stresses like drought, salinity, and heavy metal exposure. When applied through seed priming (nanopriming), these nanoparticles activate key internal processes such as enzyme function, hormonal regulation, and energy mobilisation, resulting in faster and more uniform germination. However, their effects are highly dependent on concentration, as optimal levels promote growth while excessive amounts may cause toxicity. The combined use of zinc and selenium nanoparticles often produces better results due to their complementary roles, improving photosynthesis, biomass accumulation, and overall plant resilience, although further research is still needed to optimise their use and ensure environmental safety for long-term agricultural applications.
Kruthi V, N. K, Manonmani V et al.· Genetics and Molecular Resea...· 0 citations
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