The influence of Bio-algeen S90 on the growth of multiflora rose seedlings (Rosa multiflora Thunb.)

Striving to intensify horticultural production, new and more effective bio-preparations are being sought to stimulate plant growth and development. Bio-algeen S90 is a natural agent based on sea algae, the high biological activity of which results from the high content of natural growth regulators. The aim of the study was to verify the influence of Bio-algeen S90 on the growth, morphological characteristics and chlorophyll fluorescence of Rosa multiflora seedlings. The bio-preparation was applied one, two and three times at concentrations: 0.1, 0.2, 0.4 and 0.6 mg.dm−3. Following parameters were measured to evaluate the response of plants to the bio-preparation: F0 – initial fluorescence, Fm – maximal fluorescence in the dark-adapted state, Fv/Fm – maximum photochemical efficiency of PSII. All concentrations of the bio-preparation and frequency of its application stimulated the number of shoots in a bush, the length of shoots and the diameter of the root crown of plants intended for budding. The most beneficial was the two-fold bio-preparation application at a concentration of 0.4 mg.dm–3. Bio-algeen also positively influenced the chlorophyll fluorescence parameters. The highest mean F0 and Fm values were recorded with the two-fold preparation treatment. There was no significant effect of the bio-preparation on the Fv/Fm index, which was within the range of 0.75–0.66.