Effect of some red marine algae as biofertilizers on growth of maize (Zea mayz L.) plants

The effect of three species of red marine algae (Laurencia obtusa, Corallina elongata and Jania rubens) was evaluated as biofertilizer to enhance growth of Maize (Zea mays L.) plants. After 60 days, application of single alga or their mixtures enhanced certain plant growth parameters. Application of Laurencia obtusa + Jania rubens caused 48.21% increase in plant length, 61.84% increase in potassium content and increase in leaves number in comparison to other treatments. Application of Laurencia obtusa + Corallina elongata caused 90.86% increase in plant fresh weight. Application of algae mixture caused 72.41% increase in plant dry weight and 73.97% increase in phosphorus content. However, application of Jania rubens alone caused 129.23% increase in the plants nitrogen content compared with control.