SUSTAINABLE APPLICATION OF PLANT BIOSTIMULANT DERIVED FROM KAPPAPHYCUS ALVAREZII EXTRACT RESIDUES FOR COCOA PLANTLET GROWTH ENHANCEMENT
Authors: Dayang Rosiz’zah, D.1,2 *, Suryani, S.2, Wilson, Y.T.L. 2,3, Mailin, M. 2,3 and Roslina, M.S. 1
Journal Issue: Malaysian Cocoa Journal, Volume 17 2025
Keywords: Kappaphycus alvarezii, carrageenan extraction, seaweed waste, plant biostimulant, cocoa plantlets
Published On: 5/11/2025
Abstract
The growing demand for sustainable agricultural practices has intensified interest in plant biostimulants as eco-friendly alternatives to chemical fertilizers, which pose risks to human health and the environment. This concern is particularly relevant to the cocoa industry, where optimizing plant growth while minimizing environmental impact remains a priority. Kappaphycus alvarezii, the primary cultivated seaweed species in Sabah, is widely utilized for carrageenan extraction and has garnered attention for its potential as a plant biostimulant due to its abundance of nutrients, phytohormones, and bioactive compounds. However, the large volume of residues generated during carrageenan extraction is often discarded, representing an underutilized resource. This study evaluates the efficacy of K. alvarezii extract residues which obtained after carrageenan extraction through chemical, physical, and biological methods, as plant biostimulants to enhance the growth performance of cocoa plantlets under nursery conditions. The residues, containing macronutrients and micronutrients at specific concentrations, were formulated into different biostimulant treatments and applied over a three-month plant trial. Results demonstrated that several formulations significantly improved key growth parameters, including plant height, leaf number, branch development, and root length, compared to the negative control. Among these, Treatment C1 (100% chemical residue extract) exhibited the most pronounced effect on cocoa plant growth. This study highlights the potential of seaweed extract residues as sustainable plant biostimulants, offering an eco-friendly approach to enhancing cocoa productivity while contributing to effective zero-waste management in the seaweed industry.