Application of seaweed organic components increases tolerance to Fe deficiency in tomato plants

Abstract

The beneficial effects of seaweed extracts have been related to plant growth regulators present in seaweeds. However, algae extracts comprise other organic compounds such as phenols, mannitol, alginates, laminarins and fucoidans that may have a relevant role regarding abiotic stress tolerance due to Fe deficiency. Therefore, we evaluated the individual effect of these organic compounds on the mitigation of Fe deficiency applying a range of concentrations (x1/10, x1, x10) in agar Petri dishes (in tomato seeds) and in the nutrient solution of a hydroponic system (tomato plants). Germination and plant growth promotion, root morphology, chlorophyll content and antioxidant activity were determined. Results showed that the lowest concentration x1/10 and phenolics, laminarin and fucose compounds contributed to increase the tolerance to Fe deficiency in tomato plants.