Seaweed Application Enhanced the Growth and Yield of Pea (Pisum sativum L.) by Altering Physiological Indices

Pea is an economically important horticultural crop among legumes. So, current work aimed to determine the effects of seaweed extract as foliar and soil applications on growth, yield, photosynthetic pigments, and physiological and biochemical mechanisms of pea. Seaweed extract (Wokozim Crop+) (Ascophyllum nodosum spp.) was purchased from Jaffer Agro Services Pvt. Ltd. Application was made via two different methods as soil and foliar application at 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4 mL L-1. Seaweed extract was applied on three different growth stages of peas. The first spray was done after 4 weeks of germination, the second spray was applied during flower formation, and the third spray was applied during pod formation. The higher number of pods per plant, pods fresh weight, pod length, number of seeds per pod, and 100 seed weight were recorded under foliar and soil application of seaweeds extract. Photosynthetic pigments, i.e., chlorophyll a and b, total chlorophyll, and carotenoids, increased under the application of seaweeds extract as foliar and soil treatments. The improved level of physiological and biochemical mechanisms was observed under foliar and soil application of 4 mL L-1 than 0, 1, 2, and 3 mL L-1 seaweeds extract. Seaweed extract is the appropriate organic application for sustainable productivity. It triggers plant biomass, chlorophyll synthesis, uniform fruit set and size, improves nutritional value, and imparts tolerance against environmental stresses. In conclusion seaweeds extract as foliar and soil application of 4 mL L-1 improved the pea growth, photosynthetic pigments, and yield-related traits.