Abstract

Influence of Some Brown Seaweed Extracts on Germination and Cytological Responses of Trigonella foenum-graecum L.

Author(s): El-Sheekh MM, Ismail MM and Hamouda MM

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of the brown algae Sargassum vulgare, Colpomenia sinuosa and Padina pavonica extracts on the germination rate, cell division and protein pattern of Trigonella foenum-graecum L (fenugreek). The seaweed extracts elicited better response at lower concentrations while higher concentrations decreased the germination rate of fenugreek seeds when compared to control. With respect to protein pattern of fenugreek, 20 bands were recorded, nine monomorphic, eight polymorphic and three unique. Some bands are specific to each seaweed which may be attributed to their chemical composition. Extract of S. vulgare was more effective on germination of fenugreek seeds than the other seaweeds extracts used in this investigation. These results suggest that cytotoxic effect of high concentration of seaweeds extract may be due to accumulation of their phenolic content. The results of the present investigation also suggest that seaweeds can be exploited for stimulation the growth of economic crops instead of chemical fertilizers.