THE EFFECT OF ALGAEGREEN 200 (COLD-PROCESS SEAWEED LIQUID EXTRACT) ON THE MINERAL CONTENT OF 'BRAMLEY'S SEEDLING' APPLE LEAVES AND FRUIT

AlgaeGreen 200 is a plant growth stimulant that is reported to increase yield over a wide range of annual temperate crops. On this basis, the seaweed extract was applied to plots of mature ‘Bramley’s Seedling’ apple trees (Malus pumila Mill.) on M26 rootstocks and compared with the unsprayed control. Both treatments were given full disease protection programmes and standard fertiliser. At-harvest yield and disease parameters were recorded. The AlgaGreen had no effect on disease levels and whilst the overall yield increased, there were no significant differences between the two treatments. Leaf and fruit analysis was undertaken in June, July and September and significant differences were detected between the seaweed-treated plots and the controls. Tissue mineral analysis was performed using an ICP-OES and Kjeldahl analysis for total N. In the case of the leaf tissue, use of the seaweed significantly increased only the levels of lead in the leaves by September. In the case of the fruit, zinc and copper were significantly increased with the use of the seaweed extract in July but only iron was significantly increased at harvest.