2025/12/07 by Kazemi, Hasan, Jafari, Azam, Shirmardi, Mostafa
Agricultural and Biological Sciences · #Humic Substances and Bio-Organic Studies #Plant Growth Enhancement Techniques #Silicon Effects in Agriculture
paper · doi:10.60680/jon.2025.1213147
openalex publication_date 2025/12/07 · openalex created_date 2025/12/08 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/01
This study ascertained the effects of foliar application of seaweed extract on the growth and yield characteristics of the 'Akbari' pistachio cultivar, aiming to optimize cultivation practices and promote sustainable production. The experiment was conducted during the 2023–2024 growing season in Mogar orchards, Isfahan, Iran, using a randomized complete block design with three replications. Seaweed extract was applied at concentrations of 0, 1.5, and 2.5 L 1000 L<sup>-1</sup> during four key phenological stages: bud swelling, pre-flowering, fruit hardening, and kernel filling. Results showed that the 2.5 L 1000 L<sup>-1</sup> treatment significantly increased leaf area, relative water content (RWC), total chlorophyll, and shoot length. It also boosted yield by 12% and fresh cluster weight by 27%, while reducing blankness, misshaping, and non-splitting by 25%, 42%, and 30%, respectively. However, kernel weight increased by 17% with this concentration. The 1.5 L 1000 L<sup>-1</sup> treatment reduced early splitting, while the 2.5 L 1000 L<sup>-1</sup> treatment increased it. Foliar application of seaweed extracts also improved leaf nutrient status, with calcium and magnesium contents growing by 13% and 44%, respectively, under the 2.5 L 1000 L<sup>-1</sup> treatment. Iron concentration increased by 20% under the 1.5 L 1000 L<sup>-1</sup> treatment. In conclusion, foliar application of seaweed extract effectively enhances growth, yield, and marketability of pistachio, offering a promising strategy for sustainable cultivation under field conditions.