Enhancing Bok choy Germination with Eco-friendly Sargassum horneri Extract.

This research aimed to assess the effect of Sargassum horneri extract on fertilization rates of vegetation. Every year, periodic swarms of an invasive algae species, Sargassum horneri, pose significant ecological and economic challenges for Jeju, South Korea. The accumulation of the algae emits unpleasant odors, obstructs ocean views, and damages aquatic biodiversity. Therefore, this research investigated the potential of converting Sargassum horneri into an eco-friendly fertilizer to address its detrimental ecological impact. The algae's chemical composition (calcium carbonate, carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids) suggests a positive prospect as a fertilizer despite its invasive nature. We conducted a series of trials to assess the change in Bok choy seed germination on agar plates when given Sargassum horneri extract. Our result shows that the pre-solidification method was more effective than the post-solidification method. Also, the first trial revealed that excessive use of Sargassum horneri extract hindered germination, while on the other hand, small amounts showed no significant effect. The second trial demonstrated that a 1% diluted concentration of the extract enhanced germination, and the absence of water did not hamper its efficacy. The third and fourth trials introduced extreme conditions of elevated temperatures, revealing that 1% diluted Sargassum horneri extract continued stimulating germination even under challenging environments. In conclusion, Sargassum horneri extract, especially at a 1% diluted concentration, exhibits potential as an eco-friendly fertilizer for enhancing seed germination. Its utilization could offer a sustainable solution to mitigate the invasive species' ecological impact while benefiting Jeju's agricultural practices. Further research could explore its application on a broader range of vegetation and environmental conditions to establish its viability as a practical fertilizer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]