Vol. 9, Special Issue 11, Part E (2025)

The study was conducted during the Rabi seasons of 2023-24 and 2024-25 at the Horticultural Research Farm, SHUATS, Prayagraj, to evaluate the effect of foliar-applied seaweed extracts with Recommended Dose of Fertilizer (RDF) on tomato growth and yield. The experiment, arranged in a Randomized Block Design with 15 treatments and three replications, included 50% and 100% RDF combined with K-SAP and S-SAP at 2%, 4%, and 6%, along with controls. Results showed that T₁₄ (100% RDF + 6% S-SAP) recorded maximum plant height (129.90 cm), branches (14.43), early flowering (57.11 days), and highest fruit yield (5.95 kg/plant) and maximum economic returns (₹5,02,918 ha⁻¹) with a benefit-cost ratio of 7.03, followed by T₁₁ (100% RDF + 6% K-SAP). The superior performance of T₁₄ was attributed to growth-promoting compounds and micronutrients in S-SAP, which enhanced nutrient uptake and efficiency. Minimal seasonal variation confirmed result stability. The findings suggest that integrating seaweed extracts with RDF can sustainably improve tomato growth, yield, and quality.