Development of eggplant seedlings under different doses of biostimulant derived from Ascophyllum nodosum

Abstract

Eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) belongs to the Solanaceae family and is among the 10 most consumed vegetables in Brazil. Among the cultivation systems, the production of seedlings is one of the most important steps to obtain quality plants and to reduce dependence on chemical products, in addition to ensuring crop stability. Currently, biostimulants are being used to improve agricultural performance. Ascophyllum nodosum L. algae are the most used for this purpose, being a source of organic matter, amino acids, carbohydrates, and nutrients that can favor plant development. This study aimed to evaluate eggplant seedlings development under different concentrations of the Acadian® biostimulant. The experimental design was conducted in randomized blocks and included five treatments, which consisted of doses of: 0, 3, 6, 9, and 12 mL p c L−1 of water, with 10 replications. The ‘Classic F 1’ hybrid eggplant seeds were used. Then, 34 days after sowing, the following morphological analyses were performed: plant height, root length, stem diameter, and root and shoot dry mass. The results were subjected to analysis of variance and regression analysis using the Sisvar statistical analysis program. The use of the biostimulant derived from Ascophyllum nodosum can increase the growth and development of plant height, root length, stem diameter, and root and shoot dry mass during the production phase of eggplant seedlings.

Keywords

• Ascophyllum nodosum L.; Solanum melongena; Seedling production; Microorganisms; Sustainability.