Sustainable harnessing of Red Sea brown seaweed extracts as plant growth promoters: Analytical profiling and application to faba bean

• Publish Date: 1 - May - 2026

Research Abstract:

Seaweed liquid extracts (SLEs) are progressively recognized as sustainable biostimulants that enhance plant growth and stress resilience. This investigation evaluated the effects of SLEs derived from four seaweed species Cystoseira compressa, Sargassum aquifolium, Sargassum natans, and Turbinaria ornate on the seedling performance of Vicia faba L. Seedlings received weekly soaking applications of the extracts, which were chemically characterized for macro- and micronutrients, minerals, phenolics, and plant growth regulators. All SLE treatments significantly improved root development, esterase activity, and soluble sugar accumulation compared with controls (p ≤ 0.05). The extract of C. compressa, enriched in indole-3-acetic acid (IAA; 15 nM), displayed the strongest effect on root morphological traits. Extracts from S. aquifolium and S. natans, characterized by higher phenolic content, conspicuously enhanced plant nutritional status and the productivity of the plant, whereas T. ornata primarily stimulated root elongation without marked effects on nutrition. A clear relationship was perceived between extract composition and physiological response. These conclusions demonstrate the potential of seaweed based biostimulants to improve crop productivity through natural, resource-efficient inputs, contributing to sustainable agriculture and supporting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The valorization of marine biomass for agricultural use also reinforces blue economy strategies, particularly in the Red Sea region

Publishers:

Reem Obaydo