Combination of Sargassum wightii extract and pyridoxin mixture improves growth and salinity tolerance in Okra for sustainable agriculture

Abstract

Salinity is a major problem for food security and sustainable development in the world. Applying effective seaweeds and pyridoxine mixture offer a potential in the form of bio-stimulants for improving plant growth and ecophysiological output. This study was designed to compare impact of Sargassum wightii extract (2 and 4 %) and pyridoxine 0.04 % and their mixture for the first time on Abelmoschus esculentus plants under 125 mM NaCl to enhance its salt tolerance and biomass production. Plant growing with the S. wightii extract (2 and 4 %) and pyridoxine 0.04 % mixture stimulated the growth parameters around (28 to 107 %) compared to their sole effects. Spraying of S. wightii aqueous extract (2 and 4 %) and pyridoxine (0.04 %) alone and in combination improved the relative water contents (57 % in control, 16–78 % in salinity) and essential minerals uptake (26–40 %) while reduced (40 %) sodium levels for optimum ion homeostasis especially in salinity. Plants treated with S. wightii extract and pyridoxin mixture enhanced antioxidant enzyme activities but hydrogen peroxide, catalase and abscisic acid, were reduced. Application of S. wightii (4 %) with pyridoxine (0.04 %) worked as natural bio-stimulants for amelioration of salt stress and biomass production of okra.