Effect of kelp extract on sugarcane plantlets biomass accumulation Efecto del extracto de algas en la acumulación de biomasa de plántulas de caña de azúcar

ABSTRACT In order to improve the growth of sugarcane plantlets, this study examined the effects of a seaweed ( Ascophyllum nodosum ) extract on shoot and root dry mass accumulation of plantlets budding from segments taken from apical, medial and basal parts of culms of the RB867515 variety. The experiment was a 3 x 2 factorial (three culm sections x kelp extract applied at 2.0 l.ha -1 and control) at the Sugar Cane Research Station at the Federal University of Parana, Brazil. Results showed improvement in shoot and root dry mass accumulation in plantlets budding from the basal part of culms following treatment with the A. nodosum kelp extract. Key words: Ascophyllum nodosum, Saccharum spp., growth. RESUMEN Buscando la mejora del crecimiento de las plantulas de cana de azucar, este estudio inicial examino los efectos de un extracto de algas ( Ascophyllum nodosum ) en la acumulacion de masa seca de la parte aerea y raices de plantulas originadas de segmentos tomados de las partes apicales, mediales y basales de la variedad RB867515. El experimento en factorial 3 x 2 (segmentos apicales, mediales y basales x extracto de algas aplicada en 2,0 l.ha