Effect of Seaweed Aqueous Extracts and Compost on Vegetative Growth, Yield, and Nutraceutical Quality of Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) Fruit

Abstract

The objective of this research was to evaluate the production and phytochemical quality of cucumber (Cucumis sativus) fruits, in response to the foliar application of different seaweed extracts. This study was carried out under shadow mesh conditions in the autumn–winter agricultural cycle at the Instituto Tecnológico de Torreón, Torreón, Coahuila, Mexico. The experimental design was completely random, using six treatments with six repetitions each. The treatments evaluated were: Macrocystis pyrifera, Bryothamnion triquetrum, Ascophyllum nodosum, Grammatophora spp., Macrocystis integrifolia, and a control treatment with inorganic fertilization. The substrate used was a mixture of sand and vermicompost. The yield, commercial size, and phytochemical compounds of the fruit were evaluated. Results showed that the yield using Steiner solution (6.75 kg m−2) was higher than that obtained with Bryothamnion triquetrum algae (6.07 kg m−2). Regarding the phenolic content, the extracts surpassed the control treatment, with Macrocystis pyrifera and Macrocystis integrifolia being statistically equal, with values of 47.37 and 43.73 mg equiv. of Ac. Gallic 100 g fresh weight, respectively. The antioxidant capacity by ABTS+ and DPPH+ methods was higher using the treatment with Macrocystis pyrifera algae with 149.4 and 454.1 μM equiv Trolox/100 g fresh base, respectively. This treatment also presented the highest value of vitamin C with 5.07 mg/100 g fresh base, being 27% greater than the control treatment. Algae extracts increased the quality of the fruits by obtaining the highest antioxidant capacity, making their use a viable option to minimize the application of conventional fertilizers, thereby attenuating the effects on the environment and improving the health of the population.

Impact of Seaweed Liquid Extract Biostimulant on Growth, Yield, and Chemical Composition of Cucumber (Cucumis sativus)

“…The findings of the present study agree with those of the many earlier studies of Layek et al [1,65], Ashour et al [4], and Hidangmayum and Sharma [66]. Closely related results of increased consumption of N, P, K, and Mg in cucumber (Cucumis sativus) with application of seaweed extracts have been previously recorded [25]. Moreover, TAM application could superiorly differ from the 100% conventional treatment.…”

“…As reported previously, seaweed liquid fertilizers could increase chlorophyll content [20], increase total yield [4], and improve the root system [21]. In conjunction with its rapid and easy handling process, the applicability of seaweed extract foliar spraying has been studied [22], with a focus on stimulating growth and increasing the productivity of some important vegetable crops, such as cucumber [23][24][25][26].…”

Early and Total Yield Enhancement of the Globe Artichoke Using an Ecofriendly Seaweed Extract-Based Biostimulant and PK Fertilizer

“…In general, seaweed extracts enhance plant growth and quality and improve the resistance to climatic changes because they are rich in fatty acids, minerals and polysaccharides [54]. The chemical and biochemical constituents of any seaweed extract act as biostimulants that work synergistically [55,56]. There was a good agreement with the results of previous studies that indicated the beneficial effects of diluted seaweed extracts on plants such as artichoke [15,42].…”

Biostimulant Substances for Sustainable Agriculture: Origin, Operating Mechanisms and Effects on Cucurbits, Leafy Greens, and Nightshade Vegetables Species

“…Ten-percent foliar sprays of seaweed extract from the species Macrocystis pyrifera, Grammatophora spp., Bryothamnion triquetrum, Ascophyllum nodosum, and Macrocystis integrifolia, the first two laboratory made and the latter being commercial products 'FulvimaxAT', 'SeaplantAT', and 'GaiaAT', respectively, were tested on greenhouse cucumber grown in sand and vermicompost against a control irrigated with Steiner solution, a standardized nutrient solution employed in agriculture. While the SWEs-treated plants showed a lower fruit size and weight compared to the nutrient-solution irrigated control, the Bryothamnion triquetrum treatments only showed a 7% reduction in fruit weight and an 8.3% reduction in yield [132].…”