Seaweed extract improves the vigor and provides the rapid emergence of dry bean seeds

Homogeneous stands can be obtained with the use of seaweed extracts on seeds, providing better establishment in the field and reducing losses in the production. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of  Ascophyllum nodosum extract on the germination, vigor and early development of ‘Alvorada’ bean seeds. The seeds were immersed in a solution containing A. nodosum extract at a concentration of 0.8 mL L for 5, 10, 15 and 20 minutes. For comparison, some seeds were also soaked 1 in water for 5, 10, 15 and 20 minutes and seeds that received no treatment (control) were also evaluated. Germination tests in paper roll and sand were performed to evaluate the dry mass and percentage of normal seedlings and the speed index of germination and emergence. Seeds soaked in seaweed extract showed the percentage of normal emerging seedlings higher than the control (28.45%, p <0.0001), regardless the time of immersion. However, only seeds immersed in seaweed extract for 15 minutes exhibited speed index of emergence higher than control (8.61%,  p =0.0157). It is concluded that the vigor of ‘Alvorada’ bean seeds are increased after immersion in solution with extract of  A. nodosum for 15 minutes, due to the increase in number of seedlings, which establish potentially in the field and reduce the emergence time.