Evaluating Seaweed Extract Foliar Spray as a Substitute for Synthetic Cytokinin to Improve the Performance of Squash Plant

Abstract

Forchlorfenuron synthetic cytokinin CPPU, a synthetic cytokinin, is commonly used to enhance plant growth, but concerns about its potential environmental impact and residue accumulation have prompted the search for more sustainable alternatives. So, a field trial was conducted to assess the potential of seaweed extract (SWE) as a natural substitute for CPPU in compensating for its role. Foliar spraying with both SWE (0, 2, and 4 mg L -1 ) and CPPU (0, 50, and 100 mg L -1 ) was carried out either individually or in all combination. The evaluation included the assessment of vegetative growth performance, flowering traits, yield, and fruit quality. Results indicated that spraying SWE at the highest concentration (4 mg L -1 ) demonstrated significant positive effects in all the studied characteristics. Similarly, CPPU at the highest concentration (100 mg L -1 ) when applied as a foliar spray individually exhibited significant positive impacts on all studied traits. Furthermore, combining SWE at 4 mg L -1 with CPPU at 100 mg L -1 resulted in significant increases in most of the studied parameters. In conclusion, the findings suggest the potential use of foliar spraying with SWE as an effective alternative to CPPU for enhancing squash growth performance and yield in arid regions.