Efficacy of seed priming and foliar application of seaweed extracts on the performance of summer mung bean [(Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek]

In modern agricultural scenarios, the application of various seaweed-based biostimulants has been recognized for its positive effects on improving crop growth, yield, nutrient uptake, and overall quality across a wide range of crops. Hence, a 2-year field experiment (2023-2024) was conducted in the Instructional Farm of Sasya Shyamala Krishi Vigyan Kendra, RKMVERI falling under the Coastal Saline Agroclimatic Zone of West Bengal to assess the impact of Kappaphycus alvarezii seaweed extract on mung bean (cv. Virat), applied via seed priming and foliar spray under eight nutrient management treatments in a Randomized Complete Block Design. The combined application of the recommended dose of fertilizers (RDFNPK) and seaweed extract through seed priming, and two foliar sprays significantly enhanced shoot and root growth, chlorophyll content, yield-attributing traits, and seed yield, achieving a 30.03% and 28.81% increase in 2023 and 2024, respectively. This treatment also improved macronutrient (N, P, K) uptake and produced the highest crude protein content (26.67% in 2023 and 26.13% in 2024). While seed nutrient uptake was maximized, stover nutrient uptake varied between sole and combined seaweed applications. The highest net return (₹ 21,013/ha and ₹ 26,558/ha) was recorded from this treatment, whereas the best incremental cost-benefit ratio (21.49 and 25.08) was noted with seed priming and a single foliar spray of seaweed extract alongside RDF_NPK. Overall, integrating seaweed extract through seed priming and foliar spray with RDF_NPK presents a resource-efficient, economically viable strategy for enhancing mung bean productivity and nutritional quality in coastal saline regions.