Seaweed Extracts Elicitation Improves Leaf and Essential Oil Production on Pelargonium Graveolens L. Herit

Little is known about the role of seaweed extracts in modulating the growth and the essential oil production in geranium [Pelargonium graveolens (L.) Herit]. Hence, this work aimed to evaluate the effects of Ascophylum nodosum (AN) and Solieria chordalis (SC) extracts on biometric, biochemical and phytochemical parameters in geranium plants. The experiment was conducted at greenhouse conditions, and seaweed extracts were applied by foliar pulverization. The obtained results revealed that seaweed extracts enhanced vegetative growth, directing it towards the production of a greater number of leaves at the expense of plant height and ramifications. Additionally, chlorophyll b, total soluble sugars and essential oil yield were increased due to seaweed extracts. The main constituents of volatile oil such as Linalool, Citronellol and iso-Menthone were not changed by seaweed extract treatments, with exception of Geraniol content which were slight reduced in SC treated plants. These results suggested that seaweed extracts may be used as an eco-friendly alternative to modulate growth and productivity of geranium.