Ef fect of Seaweed Extract (Macrocystis pyrifera / Gelidium robustum) on the Physiological Quality of Blue Corn (Zea mays L.) Seeds Stored for Two Periods

Abstract

Marine algae extracts represent a sustainable alternative and an emerging trend in agriculture. The ef fect of the marine algae extract NPKelp® on the germination and seedling quality of blue maize (Zea mays L., Tuxpeño race) was evaluated using seeds stored for 6 and 18 months. Six treatments with dif ferent extract concentrations (0, 0.4, 0.8, 1.2, 1.6, and 2.0% v/v) were evaluated in germination tests. The variables assessed were germination percentage (GP), germination speed index (GSI), plumule length (PL), primary root length (PRL), number of secondary roots (NSR), total fresh weight (TFW), and total dry weight (TDW). Data were analyzed using analysis of variance and mean comparison with Tukey’s test (p < 0.05) using SPSS sof tware. Treatment 5 showed the highest GP values (98.67% and 100%), whereas Treatment 3 showed the highest GSI values (22.34 and 10.22) in both storage periods. Likewise, Treatment 2 obtained the highest values for PL (5.83 and 6.10 cm), PRL (16.63 and 15.98 cm), TFW (11.69 and 10.44 g), and TDW (1.71 and 1.69 g). Finally, Treatments 4 and 5 showed the highest NSR values (4.41 and 3.73). Concentrations of 1.6% and 2.0% reduced some variables, suggesting a possible inhibitory ef fect. The extract improved the evaluated variables and therefore represents a viable biotechnological alternative for managing genetically valuable blue maize seeds and promoting their use in sustainable agricultural practices.