ARS | Publication request: EFFECTS OF SEAWEED EXTRACT ON THE MORPHOLOGICAL AND BIOCHEMICAL RESPONSES OF TALL FESCUE TO WATER STRESS

Submitted to: American Society of Plant Physiologists Meeting
Publication Type: Proceedings
Publication Acceptance Date: July 29, 1996
Publication Date: N/A

Technical Abstract: Plants subjected to water stress undergo increased exposure to activated oxygen and free radicals which frequently result in damage to cell structure and metabolism. Plant cells normally are protected against oxidative damage by a complex antioxidant system that involves several enzymes including; superoxide dismutase, ascorbate peroxidase and glutathione reductase. Application of seaweed extract has been reported to improve plant performance under water stress, in part, through enhancement of antioxidant metabolism. In this study the effect of seaweed extracts on the antioxidant enzymes of tall fescue has been investigated. Seaweed was applied at six rates (0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 kg/ha) to the soil surface of pots containing fescue plants. The activities of superoxide dismutase, ascorbate peroxidase and glutathione reductase were monitored at 1, 7, 14, and 30 days after application. In a second study, the effect of seaweed extract on root and shoot growth of fescue under water stress has been investigated. Seaweed was applied at six rates (0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 kg/ha) to the soil surface of pots containing fescue plants. Following the application the plants were grown for 14 days under two soil water regimes; field capacity and 50% of field capacity. Root and shoot biomass were measured 5 weeks after the application.