Study of the effect of Seychelles seaweed fertilizers on the parameters of growth and development of Betula pubescens propagated in vitro

Abstract

In recent decades, organic farming, which does not use artificial chemical fertilizers and pesticides, has become increasingly popular in the world. Since ancient times, seaweed has been used as a plant growth stimulant to produce high-quality environmentally friendly products. At the same time, their influence on tree crops has not yet been sufficiently studied. The article examines the effect of Seaweed Seychelles Liquid®™ microfertilizers based on algae from the Seychelles on the growth and development of downy birch 15-1, propagated in vitro. The objects of study were explants at the multiplication stage and plants transferred into pots for growing in greenhouse conditions. Microfertilizers at a concentration of 10, 15, 20, 25 % vol. were added to the woody plant medium (WPM) for the cultivation of woody plants, supplemented with growth regulators 300 µg/l benzylamino-purine (BAP) and 200 µg/l indolyl-3-acetic acid (IAA). The manufacturer's recommended concentration 20% vol. was used when transferring to non-sterile conditions. Plants were cultivated under controlled conditions in in vitro laboratory and greenhouse for two weeks and two months, respectively, after which changes in morphometric parameters were recorded. The results obtained indicate the stimulating effect of organic fertilizer when using concentrations of 20 and 25% vol. on birch microclones in vitro. More significant stimulation was observed for potted plants, where the growth of experimental objects was 22% higher than control plants at the end of the experiment. The results of the experiments allow us to recommend organic fertilizers from seaweed to stimulate growth processes in woody plants when using concentrations of at least 20% vol. when cultivated in pots.