Seaweed? Most people consider it as the slimy sometimes greenish sometimes brownish thing that gets stuck on your feet when you go swimming at a beach. In reality, seaweed could be the next best thing after water and air!
The ocean, with its vastness and gazillion life forms, has always been a source of fascination for scientists. Among its treasures are the seaweeds or as the scientific community calls it macroalgae are a source of a multitude of components that can revolutionize almost all industrial fields. One such seaweed is brown algae, which contains a range of bioactive compounds with potential applications in several industries. One such compound is fucoidan, which was extracted from the brown alga Turbinaria decurrens, and has recently emerged as a promising candidate for enhancing plant growth and development.
In an intriguing study published in the Journal of Plant Growth Regulation, Ph.D. researcher Arya Kaniyassery and team with the guidance of Dr. A. Muthusamy, Manipal School of Life Sciences, MAHE, Karnataka, and Dr. K. Arunkumar, Department of Plant Science, School of Biological Sciences, Central University of Kerala, sheds light on the remarkable abilities of fucoidan fractions to promote seed germination, seedling growth, and tissue regeneration in two important crops: eggplant and finger millet.
Unveiling the Potential:
The study explains “Fucoidan fraction isolated from seaweed was categorized into low and high molecular weight fractions (LMF and HMF), and were investigated for their effects on plant growth processes. What makes this study particularly noteworthy is its exploration of fucoidan’s influence on both monocotyledonous (finger millet) and dicotyledonous (eggplant) plants, marking a significant stride in understanding its broad applicability.”
Seed Germination and Beyond:
The researchers dug into the effect of this bioactive compound- Fucoidan on multiple plant development processes, starting from seed germination to tissue culture-based regeneration processes. Fucoidan fractions demonstrated their effectiveness in enhancing the rate of seed germination and early seedling vigor, setting the stage for robust plant growth. Furthermore, they facilitated callus induction, direct organogenesis, and adventitious root formation, which are all crucial steps in tissue culture-based propagation techniques.
Novel Insights and Implications:
This study offers novel insights into the potential of fucoidan fractions as a sustainable alternative to conventional plant growth regulators (PGRs) in tissue culture media. By harnessing the natural bioactivity of this seaweed-derived compound, researchers propose a future where fucoidan supplements could revolutionize plant micropropagation practices.
These research findings not only hold promise for agricultural applications, but they also highlight the importance of exploring marine resources for sustainable solutions in plant science.
Applications in Agriculture:
The implications of this research extend beyond the laboratory, with practical application in agriculture. Fucoidan fractions present an eco-friendly and cost-effective alternative to synthetic PGRs, offering growers a sustainable means to enhance crop productivity. By using these seaweed-derived compounds in tissue culture protocols, researchers have paved the way for efficient micropropagation of high-value crops such as finger millets and eggplant, contributing to food security and agricultural sustainability.
Conclusion:
Arya is confident that “if we continue to explore the untapped potential of marine resources, studies like this can serve as a hope for sustainable agriculture. By harnessing the power of seaweed-derived fucoidans, we have developed a natural alternative to boost plant growth and regeneration without the cost of expensive PGRs.”
Dr. Ankita Dave
About the author: My subject of interest is Molecular Biology. I am passionate about research and want to gain more experience in this field. However, writing has always been my way of expressing and Science communication is something that includes both my interests, and I am intrigued to learn more
about this field.