Seaweed extract elicits the metabolic responses in leaves and enhances growth of pelargonium cuttings.

摘要

A time-course analysis of photosynthetic pigment, phenolic, and protein contents was performed on Pelargonium peltatum 'Ville de Paris Red' leaf tissue from the initial cuttings to market maturity, in regard to brown algae [Ecklonia maxima (OSBECK) PAPENFUSS] extract treatment (KelpakReg.). Twenty three days after severance a transient decline in total protein values was accompanied by an increased accumulation of total phenolics in all KelpakReg. applications. The maximum chlorophyll a (110%), chlorophyll b (44%) and carotenoid (30%) contents were measured in leaves of 0.5% KelpakReg. treated cuttings when compared to untreated controls. Thirty six days after severance, a more than 220% increase in total protein contents and a 50% decline in total phenolics were recorded in untreated cuttings when compared to the previous sampling date. Proteins had accumulated to a significantly higher level, when plants were treated with different KelpakReg. concentrations. Thirty six days after severance, the highest chlorophyll a (166%), chlorophyll b (80%), and total phenolic contents were found in 2.0% KelpakReg. treated cuttings when compared to the controls. From the initial cutting to the phase of market maturity, the maximum increases in chl a (185%), chl b (130%), lutein (100%), and beta -carotene (222%) levels, were obtained when the cuttings were treated with 2.0% KelpakReg. solution. We further noticed a statistically significant increase in shoot fresh mass for all KelpakReg. applications when compared to untreated controls, but the highest root fresh mass and shoot/root ratio as well as the maximum number of leaves had developed 2.0% KelpakReg. treated cuttings.