Influence of seaweed extract on seed quality traits under in-vitro conditions in green gram (Vigna radiata L.) cv. VBN 2

Abstract

Green gram (Vigna radiata L. Wilczek), commonly referred to as mung bean or Vigna radiata, is an important pulse crop. The main causes of low pulse productivity were identified as the use of inferior seed, inappropriate crop management, and cultivation in marginal soils. It could be improved by creating low-cost seed production technology that is appropriate. It has been shown that seaweed extracts can improve crop development and increase nutrient uptake in both difficult and typical environmental situations. By reducing the frequency of fungal and insect attack, the use of seaweed extracts has led to encouraging gains in crop output, nutrient uptake, resilience to frost and stress, and seed germination. By keeping the aforesaid point of view, a study was conducted to know the effectiveness of seaweed extract on seed quality traits under invitro condition of Vigna radiata. The laboratory experiment aimed to evaluate the effect of seaweed extracts viz., Kappaphycus alvarezii and Gracilaria on the germination, growth and seed quality traits of green gram variety cv. VBN 2. The experiment was carried out in Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, Annamalai University during the year 2022. The first step involved steeping the seeds in double-distilled water for six hours. Following their initial pre-soaking, the seeds were left to air dry at room temperature. Then, submerged the pre-soaked seeds in varying quantities of seaweed extract. Concentrations of 1.5%, 2.5%, 3%, 1% and 2% were utilized for Kappaphycus alvarezii and 2.5%, 5% and 10% were used for Gracilaria. For six hours, the various amounts of seaweed extract were soaked into the seeds. Paper towels were used to sow the treated seeds in order to collect data and observe the seedlings further. The results revealed that seeds soaked with Kappaphycus alvarezii at a concentration of 2.5% exhibited highest value for various seed quality parameters viz., germination percentage (81), root length (16.57), shoot length (19.64), fresh weight (38.58), dry weight (34.76), dry matter production (197.53), seedling vigour index (3452) and tetrazolium Test (80), compared to other treatments. Seeds soaked with Gracilaria didn’t show any variation among the different concentration treatments of Gracilaria, while minimum viability percentage was observed in control.