[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]PLYMAG has extensive experience in working with algae extracts and maintains a comprehensive range of formulas from Ascophylum nodosum. In order to complete its range in this interesting and competitive segment, our fertilizer company recently introduced a new natural algae extract from Kelp (Ecklonia maxima): ECKLOMAR.
What is kelp and what does it contribute?
Kelp is large algae belonging to the group of brown algae, classified taxonomically within the Laminariales order, some of its species are characterized by a high growth rate and form large forests in relatively cold, shallow and clear waters.
Ecklonia maxima has special characteristics derived from its content in active substances and in particular those that offers its extract an activity similar to auxins.
Some of the benefits of using an algae extract from Ecklonia maxima, like ECKLOMAR, is summarized as the following:
- They improve root growth and
- Accelerate plant growth
- It supports higher production.
- Great settling and size of fruits.
But ECKLOMAR also contains substances such as alginic acid, mannitol and betaines from the extract and not chemically added, which strengthen the response of the plant to drought or extreme temperatures. It is also worth noting its content in gibberellins that facilitate the growth of the stems or cytokinins that together with the previous ones delay the aging process.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
Similar activity to ECKLOMAR auxins
Auxin activity derives from the presence of these phytohormones, which are characterized with promoting growth through facilitating cell elongation by acting on the cell wall.
The action of auxins is manifested in apical dominance, lateral and adventitious root development and fruit growth.
In order to test the auxinic activity of ECKLOMAR, a bioassay aimed at stimulating the formation of adventitious roots in the petioles of bean leaves.
The basis of the bioassay is to demonstrate the relationship between the auxins naturally present in ECKLOMAR with the root production capacity of split leaf ends or cuttings, using known concentrations of synthetic auxins for comparison.
Thus, if we treat plant material with ECKLOMAR and simultaneously compare it with the response it has when treated with synthetic auxins at different concentrations, we can obtain the equivalent auxin content in ECKLOMAR.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
Bioassay Design
The University of Alicante determines the auxina type activity of ECKLOMAR in a bioassay. In this assay, the primary leaves of bean plants treated with varying concentrations of AIA (indolacetic acid) and ECKLOMAR were used.
During the experiment 1 cm of the petiole of the leaves was kept submerged in the solutions for 2 hours and subsequently the leaves were deposited in petri dishes in a controlled environment for 2 weeks.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”4197,4200″ img_size=”medium”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]On the other hand, an untreated specimen was arranged (control).
After two weeks, the number of roots formed in each treatment was controlled as an indicative parameter of auxinic activity. After two weeks, leaves treated with AIA and ECKLOMAR showed variable amounts of adventitious roots in the treated area. The control specimen did not show roots (see figure).
Ecklomar was particularly effective in root induction, as can be seen in photograph 1. In other cases, the number of roots was lower, but their development in length was remarkable (Photo 2).
The result is illustrated in a figure below, showing the comparison with the ECKLOMAR application control diluted in at a ratio of 1:5. Similar results were obtained for other dilutions, emphasizing the fact that the control specimen did not demonstrate any development of roots.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”4203,4206″ img_size=”medium”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The result is illustrated in a figure below, showing the comparison with the ECKLOMAR application control diluted in at a ratio of 1:5. Similar results were obtained for other dilutions, emphasizing the fact that the control specimen did not demonstrate any development of roots.
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Estimation of auxinic activity
First, the correlation between the concentration of EIA administered and the number of roots induced in the petioles was established. This correlation allowed to comparatively estimate the concentration of AIA present in the samples treated with ECKLOMAR.
Conclusions
It could be established that the auxinic activity of ECKLOMAR was in this case equivalent to 25 ppm. Synthetic auxins.
We must bear in mind that this determination does not calculate the concentration present in the product, but more its ability to induce roots. This capacity would therefore be “equivalent to 25 ppm AIA”.
This demonstrates the natural ability of ECKLOMAR to deploy an activity similar to
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