Role of Seaweed Liquid Fertilizer (SLF) in Controlling Fungal Growth Associated with Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) Seeds

Abstract

Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) seeds are easily attacked by a variety of fungi resulting in seed loss. This study was to determine the effect of seaweed liquid fertilizer (SLF) obtained from Sargassum tenerrimum on the growth of fungi on okra seeds. Agar Plate, Blotter paper, and Deep Freezing methods were used to study the fungi related to okra seeds. The effects of 0.1, 0.2 and 0.3% concentrations of seaweed liquid fertilizer (SLF) on fungal growth were studied. Results showed that the majority of the seeds appeared to be physically healthy. SLF reduced the attack of fungi on seeds, although certain unidentified bacterial growth was still present on seeds after treatment. The study concludes that SLFs can be used for the protection of okra seeds against fungi, although their specific ratios are yet to be determined.

Keywords

• Sargassum
• Okra seeds
• Chaetomium spp
• Trichoderma spp.