LAUSR

A field experiment was conducted during winter season of 2012-13 in sandy loam soil at Central Potato Research Station, Patna to study the effects of seaweed saps on growth, yield and nutrient uptake of Potato. The foliar spray was applied at 45, 60 and 75 days after planting at different concentrations (0, 2.5, 5.0, 7.5 and 10 % v/v) of seaweed extracts namely Kappaphycus( K Sap) and Gracilaria (G Sap). Foliar applications of seaweed sap significantly enhanced large and medium grade as well as total tuber yield. Increment in total tuber yield of potato with application of 7.5% K sap + recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF), 5% G sap + RDF, and 10% G sap + RDF) over control were in tune of 3.95 t ha-1 ,4.88 and 4.07 t ha-1 respectively. Applications of 7.5 % K sap+ RDFand 5% G sap + RDF resulted in increase by 15.8 and 34.9% in large grade tuber yield and 11.5% and 22.5% in medium grade tuber yield, respectively compared to control. Improved nutrient uptake (NPK) was also observed with seaweed extract.