Effect of seaweed saps derived from two marine algae Kappaphycus and Gracilaria on growth and yield improvement of blackgram

A field experiment was conducted during the pre-kharif season at Muratipur village, Nadia, West Bengal (Latitude: 22°57′ N, Longitude: 88°20′ E) in two consecutive year of 2012 and 2013 to study the effects of seaweed saps on growth and yield improvement of blackgram in new alluvial soil of West Bengal. Foliar spray was applied twice at different concentrations (0, 2.5, 5.0, 7.5, 10.0 and 15.0% v/v) of seaweed extracts (namely Kappaphycus and Gracilaria) with recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF). Foliar applications of seaweed extract significantly enhanced the growth and yield parameters. Highest grain yield was recorded with the combined applications of 15% Kappaphykus sap and RDF, followed by the combined application of 15% Gracilaria sap and RDF extract resulting in an increase by 51.06% and 47.15% seed yield respectively compared to the control. Maximum stover yield was also achieved with the application of 15% Kappaphykus sap.