Physiological responses of chili pepper to foliar-applied seaweed biostimulant and humic acid under vegetative-stage drought stress
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Abstract
Results showed that physiological responses of chili pepper to foliar application of seaweed extract (SE) from Sargassum polycystum and humic acid (HA) during the vegetative growth continued to be positive which is continued to develop under drought stress condition. Higher concentration (6%) of SE is required during the early stage of chili pepper growth and development, but lower SE concentration (2%) was more effective as plants continue to age. On the other hand, the effects of humic acid were much pronounced at the latter stage of chili pepper growth. The higher concentration of humic acid showed better physiological responses (chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, and total chlorophyll, proline and nutrient uptakes) of chili peppers. Humic acid concentration of 1.50% was generally shown better at lower concentration. The significant interaction between seaweed extract and humic acid concentrations highlighted their complementary roles in regulating photosynthetic pigments and osmoprotective responses. Overall, these findings suggested that targeted biostimulant application enhanced physiological resilience and drought tolerance in chili pepper plants, offering a viable strategy for maintaining productivity in water-stressed environments.
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