Enhancing Growth and Productivity of Broccoli through Natural Biostimulants: A Comparative Study of Seaweed and Moringa Leaf Extracts
Abstract
Background: Broccoli is a nutrient-dense crop that is increasingly in demand because of its health-promoting phytochemicals. However, the heavy reliance on chemical fertilizers has raised environmental issues, leading to the need for sustainable alternatives. This study investigated the impact of natural biostimulants, specifically seaweed extract (SWE) and moringa leaf extract (MLE), on broccoli growth and yield under field conditions. Methods: The experiment was conducted at Lovely Professional University’s research farm in Phagwara, Punjab, using a Randomized Block Design with nine treatments, including different concentrations (25, 50, 75, and 100%) of SWE and MLE, along with a control. Foliar applications were done every 10 days from transplantation until curd initiation. Growth metrics, including plant height, leaf number, and leaf area, as well as yield indicators such as curd weight, diameter, dry matter, and plot yield, were measured. Results: Biostimulant application significantly improved growth and yield compared to the control. The highest performance was observed with 100% SWE, which produced the greatest plant height (49.347 cm), number of leaves (17.333), leaf area (474.390 cm²), curd weight without leaves (571.183 g), diameter (19.073 cm), dry weight (70.977 g), and yield (17.137 kg per plot), closely followed by 100% MLE (47.133 cm, 16.267, 465.207 cm², 544.130 g, 18.033 cm, 69.123 g, and 16.323 kg, respectively). Conclusion: Overall, these findings suggest that natural biostimulants, especially seaweed extracts, can enhance broccoli productivity and support environmentally friendly farming practices.
Keywords:
Biostimulants, Broccoli, Moringa Leaf Extract, Seaweed Extract, Sustainable Agriculture
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References
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Ahmad, N. (2025). Chemical fertilizers and soil degradation: long-term environmental consequences. Journal of Pollution, 8(1). https://www.hilarispublisher.com/open-access/chemical-fertilizers-and-soil-degradation-longterm-environmental-consequences.pdf
Ali, O., Ramsubhag, A., & Jayaraman, J. (2021). Biostimulant properties of seaweed extracts in plants: Implications towards sustainable crop production. Plants, 10(3), 531.https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10030531
Andriyani, S., Rujitoningtyas, K., Wigati, H. U., & Amalina, N. D. (2022). The potential of Moringa leaf extract to prevent aging targeted cellular senescence. International Journal of Cell and Biomedical Science, 1(3), 76-85. https://doi.org/10.59278/cbs.v1i3.21
Arif, Y., Bajguz, A., & Hayat, S. (2023). Moringa oleifera extract as a natural plant biostimulant. Journal of Plant Growth Regulation, 42(3), 1291-1306. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00344-022-10630-4
Asif, A., Ali, M., Qadir, M., Karthikeyan, R., Singh, Z., Khangura, R., ... & Ahmed, Z. F. (2023). Enhancing crop resilience by harnessing the synergistic effects of biostimulants against abiotic stress. Frontiers in Plant Science, 14, 1276117.https://doi.org/10.3389/fpls.2023.1276117
Baldaniya, J. K., Panchal, B. H., Rathod, M. B., & Macwan, S. J. (2023). Effect of biostimulants on growth and quality of broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica) cv. Pusa KTS-1. Pharma Innovation, 12(5), 667-670. https://www.thepharmajournal.com/archives/2023/vol12issue5/PartH/12-5-29-515.pdf
Buss, W., Belt, K., Hein, Z., Putri, A., Zhu, S., Suwandari, H., & Bentley, A. R. (2026). Hurdles to overcome to achieve biostimulant‐driven, low chemical input crop production. Plants, People, Planet, 8(3), 783-791. https://doi.org/10.1002/ppp3.70030
Di Sario, L., Boeri, P., Matus, J. T., &Pizzio, G. A. (2025). Plant biostimulants to enhance abiotic stress resilience in crops. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 26(3), 1129. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26031129
Dikir, W. (2023). Effect of long-term chemical fertilizer application on soil chemical properties: a review. Journal of Biology, Agriculture and Healthcare, 13, 11-18. https://doi.org/10.7176/JBAH/13-5-02
El-Sherbiny, G. M., Alluqmani, A. J., Elsehemy, I. A., & Kalaba, M. H. (2024). Antibacterial, antioxidant, cytotoxicity, and phytochemical screening of Moringa oleifera leaves. Scientific Reports, 14(1), 30485. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-80700-y
Hoque, T. S., Rana, M. S., Zahan, S. A., Jahan, I., & Abedin, M. A. (2020). Moringa leaf extract as a bio-stimulant on growth, yield and nutritional improvement in cabbage. Asian Journal of Medical and Biological Research, 6(2), 196-203. https://doi.org/10.3329/ajmbr.v6i2.48050
Iqbal, W., Ayyub, C. M., Jahangir, M. M., & Ahmad, R. (2023). Effect of foliar application of bio-stimulants on growth, yield and nutritional quality of broccoli. Brazilian Journal of Biology, 83, e263302. https://doi.org/10.1590/1519-6984.263302
Irshad, S., Matloob, A., Mehmood, K., Nawaz, M., Iqbal, S., Wahid, M. A., ... & Khan, S. (2025). Moringa dried leaf extract as bio-foliar fertilizer for revitalizing performance and nutritional status of soybean. Scientific Reports, 15(1), 20431. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-95404-0
Ismael, S. F., & Sarhan, T. Z. (2024). Effect of Humic Acid, Seaweed Extracts and Organic Fertilizer on the Growth and Yield of Broccoli (Brassica oleracea). Passer Journal of Basic and Applied Sciences, 6(2), 553-566. https://doi.org/10.24271/psr.2024.462032.1624
Kumar, S., Singh, R. P., Rizwanullah, M., & Kumar, P. (2023). Different maturity indices of fruits and vegetables crops. Current Trends in Horticulture; Biotech books: New Delhi, India, 101-118. https://www.studocu.com/row/document/university-of-lagos/food-science-and-technology/different-maturity-indicesof-fruitsand-vegetables-crops/111260838?sid=b341db33-c52d-4aea-9c40-eae0755f84cb1787406960
Lallawmkima, I., Singh, S. K., & Sharma, M. (2018). Application of azotobacter, vesicular arbuscular mycorrhiza and phosphate solubilizing bacteria for potato cultivation in Central Plain Zone (Pb-3) of Punjab. Journal of Environmental Biology, 39(6), 985-989. http://doi.org/10.22438/jeb/39/6/MRN-463
Mannino, G. (2025). Plant-biostimulants interaction: scientific trends, markets dynamics, and real-world implication. Journal of Plant Interactions, 20(1), 2572668. https://doi.org/10.1080/17429145.2025.2572668
Marie, G., Tagele, A., &Kinfu, S. (2025). Moringa leaf extract as a natural alternative for the growth, yield, and yield components of onion (Allium cepa L.) varieties in central Gondar, North Ethiopia. Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems, 9, 1543368. https://doi.org/10.3389/fsufs.2025.1543368
Montesinos, C., Benito, P., Porcel, R., Bellón, J., González-Guzmán, M., Arbona, V., ... & Mulet, J. M. (2024). Field evaluation and characterization of a novel biostimulant for broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica) cultivation drought under and salt stress after increases antioxidant, glucosinolate and phytohormone content. Scientia Horticulturae, 338338, 113584. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scienta.2024.113584
Pahalvi, H. N., Rafiya, L., Rashid, S., Nisar, B., & Kamili, A. N. (2021). Chemical Fertilizers and Their Impact on Soil Health. In: Dar, G. H., Bhat, R. A., Mehmood, M. A., Hakeem, K. R. (eds) Microbiota and Biofertilizers, Vol 2. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-61010-4_1
Panse, V. G., & Sukhatme, P. V. (1989). Statistical Methods for Agricultural Workers. (xvi + 361 pp.), Indian Council of Agricultural Research, New Delhi. https://www.cabidigitallibrary.org/doi/full/10.5555/19561604178
Pawaiya, S. K., Bhati, D., & Singh, S. K. (2025). Seaweed Extract as a Biostimulator of Growth and Quality in Broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica). Biopesticides International, 21(2), 159. https://doi.org/10.59467/BI.2025.21.159
Radi, A. A., Abdel-Wahab, D. A., Hamada, A. M., & Farghaly, F. A. (2023). The impact of humic acid and moringa treatments on enhancing arsenic tolerance in broccoli plants: modulation of sulphur components and enzymatic antioxidant defense. Journal of Soil Science and Plant Nutrition, 23(4), 6721-6737. https://doi.org/10.1007/s42729-023-01529-4
Rahman, F., Naimuzzaman, M., Shahab, T., Ahmed, F., Das, R. C., Tushi, S. S., ... & Roy, S. K. (2024). Effects of Seaweed Extract and 4-Chlorophenoxyacetic Acid (4-CPA) on Improving Growth and Yield of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.). Journal of Agricultural Sciences and Engineering, 6(3), 141-153. https://doi.org/10.48309/jase.2024.483477.1060
Singh, A., Sharma, K., Chahal, H. S., Kaur, H., & Hasanain, M. (2025). Seaweed-derived plant boosters: revolutionizing sustainable farming and soil health. Frontiers in Soil Science, 5, 1504045. https://doi.org/10.3389/fsoil.2025.1504045
Singh, T., Rawat, M., Singh, S. K., & Kumar, M. (2018). Impact of biofertilizer application on dry matter production and harvesting index in Colocasia esculenta (L.) Schott var. antiquorum. Plant Archives, 18(2), 1875-1878. https://www.cabidigitallibrary.org/doi/pdf/10.5555/20203001506
Sogoni, A., Ngcobo, B. L., Jimoh, M. O., Kambizi, L., & Laubscher, C. P. (2024). Seaweed-derived bio-stimulant (Kelpak®) enhanced the morphophysiological, biochemical, and nutritional quality of salt-stressed spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.). Horticulturae, 10(12), 1340. https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae10121340
Sujata, Goyal, V., Baliyan, V., Avtar, R., & Mehrotra, S. (2023). Alleviating drought stress in Brassica juncea (L.) Czern& Coss. by foliar application of biostimulants—orthosilicic acid and seaweed extract. Applied Biochemistry and Biotechnology, 195(1), 693-721. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12010-022-04085-2
Thirumalesh, S., Singh, S. K., Upadhyay, P., & Bakshi, M. (2025). Seaweed extract: A potential modulator of productivity and bulb quality in onion (Allium cepa L.). The Nucleus, 1-9. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13237-025-00603-9
Tofiq, G. K. (2025). Role of seaweed extract and vermicompost application on the morphology, yield, phytochemical, and elemental composition of cauliflower plants. Multidisciplinary Science Journal, 7(7), 2025322. https://doi.org/10.31893/multiscience.2025322
Yaseen, A. A., Madar, Á. K., Vojnović, Đ., & Takács-Hájos, M. (2023). Examining the optimal amount of moringa leaf extract to improve the morphological and inner quality of cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata). Journal of Food Quality, 2023(1), 3210253. https://doi.org/10.1155/2023/3210253
Yuniati, N., Kusumiyati, K., Mubarok, S., & Nurhadi, B. (2022). The role of moringa leaf extract as a plant biostimulant in improving the quality of agricultural products. Plants, 11(17), 2186. https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11172186
Yuniati, N., Kusumiyati, K., Mubarok, S., & Nurhadi, B. (2023). Assessment of biostimulant derived from moringa leaf extract on growth, physiology, yield, and quality of green chili pepper. Sustainability, 15(9), 7113. https://doi.org/10.3390/su15097113
Zamljen, T., Šircelj, H., Veberič, R., Hudina, M., & Slatnar, A. (2024). Impact of two brown seaweed (Ascophyllum nodosum L.) biostimulants on the quantity and quality of yield in cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.). Foods, 13(3), 401. https://doi.org/10.3390/foods13030401
Ahmad, N. (2025). Chemical fertilizers and soil degradation: long-term environmental consequences. Journal of Pollution, 8(1). https://www.hilarispublisher.com/open-access/chemical-fertilizers-and-soil-degradation-longterm-environmental-consequences.pdf
Ali, O., Ramsubhag, A., & Jayaraman, J. (2021). Biostimulant properties of seaweed extracts in plants: Implications towards sustainable crop production. Plants, 10(3), 531.https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10030531
Andriyani, S., Rujitoningtyas, K., Wigati, H. U., & Amalina, N. D. (2022). The potential of Moringa leaf extract to prevent aging targeted cellular senescence. International Journal of Cell and Biomedical Science, 1(3), 76-85. https://doi.org/10.59278/cbs.v1i3.21
Arif, Y., Bajguz, A., & Hayat, S. (2023). Moringa oleifera extract as a natural plant biostimulant. Journal of Plant Growth Regulation, 42(3), 1291-1306. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00344-022-10630-4
Asif, A., Ali, M., Qadir, M., Karthikeyan, R., Singh, Z., Khangura, R., ... & Ahmed, Z. F. (2023). Enhancing crop resilience by harnessing the synergistic effects of biostimulants against abiotic stress. Frontiers in Plant Science, 14, 1276117.https://doi.org/10.3389/fpls.2023.1276117
Baldaniya, J. K., Panchal, B. H., Rathod, M. B., & Macwan, S. J. (2023). Effect of biostimulants on growth and quality of broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica) cv. Pusa KTS-1. Pharma Innovation, 12(5), 667-670. https://www.thepharmajournal.com/archives/2023/vol12issue5/PartH/12-5-29-515.pdf
Buss, W., Belt, K., Hein, Z., Putri, A., Zhu, S., Suwandari, H., & Bentley, A. R. (2026). Hurdles to overcome to achieve biostimulant‐driven, low chemical input crop production. Plants, People, Planet, 8(3), 783-791. https://doi.org/10.1002/ppp3.70030
Di Sario, L., Boeri, P., Matus, J. T., &Pizzio, G. A. (2025). Plant biostimulants to enhance abiotic stress resilience in crops. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 26(3), 1129. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26031129
Dikir, W. (2023). Effect of long-term chemical fertilizer application on soil chemical properties: a review. Journal of Biology, Agriculture and Healthcare, 13, 11-18. https://doi.org/10.7176/JBAH/13-5-02
El-Sherbiny, G. M., Alluqmani, A. J., Elsehemy, I. A., & Kalaba, M. H. (2024). Antibacterial, antioxidant, cytotoxicity, and phytochemical screening of Moringa oleifera leaves. Scientific Reports, 14(1), 30485. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-80700-y
Hoque, T. S., Rana, M. S., Zahan, S. A., Jahan, I., & Abedin, M. A. (2020). Moringa leaf extract as a bio-stimulant on growth, yield and nutritional improvement in cabbage. Asian Journal of Medical and Biological Research, 6(2), 196-203. https://doi.org/10.3329/ajmbr.v6i2.48050
Iqbal, W., Ayyub, C. M., Jahangir, M. M., & Ahmad, R. (2023). Effect of foliar application of bio-stimulants on growth, yield and nutritional quality of broccoli. Brazilian Journal of Biology, 83, e263302. https://doi.org/10.1590/1519-6984.263302
Irshad, S., Matloob, A., Mehmood, K., Nawaz, M., Iqbal, S., Wahid, M. A., ... & Khan, S. (2025). Moringa dried leaf extract as bio-foliar fertilizer for revitalizing performance and nutritional status of soybean. Scientific Reports, 15(1), 20431. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-95404-0
Ismael, S. F., & Sarhan, T. Z. (2024). Effect of Humic Acid, Seaweed Extracts and Organic Fertilizer on the Growth and Yield of Broccoli (Brassica oleracea). Passer Journal of Basic and Applied Sciences, 6(2), 553-566. https://doi.org/10.24271/psr.2024.462032.1624
Kumar, S., Singh, R. P., Rizwanullah, M., & Kumar, P. (2023). Different maturity indices of fruits and vegetables crops. Current Trends in Horticulture; Biotech books: New Delhi, India, 101-118. https://www.studocu.com/row/document/university-of-lagos/food-science-and-technology/different-maturity-indicesof-fruitsand-vegetables-crops/111260838?sid=b341db33-c52d-4aea-9c40-eae0755f84cb1787406960
Lallawmkima, I., Singh, S. K., & Sharma, M. (2018). Application of azotobacter, vesicular arbuscular mycorrhiza and phosphate solubilizing bacteria for potato cultivation in Central Plain Zone (Pb-3) of Punjab. Journal of Environmental Biology, 39(6), 985-989. http://doi.org/10.22438/jeb/39/6/MRN-463
Mannino, G. (2025). Plant-biostimulants interaction: scientific trends, markets dynamics, and real-world implication. Journal of Plant Interactions, 20(1), 2572668. https://doi.org/10.1080/17429145.2025.2572668
Marie, G., Tagele, A., &Kinfu, S. (2025). Moringa leaf extract as a natural alternative for the growth, yield, and yield components of onion (Allium cepa L.) varieties in central Gondar, North Ethiopia. Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems, 9, 1543368. https://doi.org/10.3389/fsufs.2025.1543368
Montesinos, C., Benito, P., Porcel, R., Bellón, J., González-Guzmán, M., Arbona, V., ... & Mulet, J. M. (2024). Field evaluation and characterization of a novel biostimulant for broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica) cultivation drought under and salt stress after increases antioxidant, glucosinolate and phytohormone content. Scientia Horticulturae, 338338, 113584. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scienta.2024.113584
Pahalvi, H. N., Rafiya, L., Rashid, S., Nisar, B., & Kamili, A. N. (2021). Chemical Fertilizers and Their Impact on Soil Health. In: Dar, G. H., Bhat, R. A., Mehmood, M. A., Hakeem, K. R. (eds) Microbiota and Biofertilizers, Vol 2. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-61010-4_1
Panse, V. G., & Sukhatme, P. V. (1989). Statistical Methods for Agricultural Workers. (xvi + 361 pp.), Indian Council of Agricultural Research, New Delhi. https://www.cabidigitallibrary.org/doi/full/10.5555/19561604178
Pawaiya, S. K., Bhati, D., & Singh, S. K. (2025). Seaweed Extract as a Biostimulator of Growth and Quality in Broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica). Biopesticides International, 21(2), 159. https://doi.org/10.59467/BI.2025.21.159
Radi, A. A., Abdel-Wahab, D. A., Hamada, A. M., & Farghaly, F. A. (2023). The impact of humic acid and moringa treatments on enhancing arsenic tolerance in broccoli plants: modulation of sulphur components and enzymatic antioxidant defense. Journal of Soil Science and Plant Nutrition, 23(4), 6721-6737. https://doi.org/10.1007/s42729-023-01529-4
Rahman, F., Naimuzzaman, M., Shahab, T., Ahmed, F., Das, R. C., Tushi, S. S., ... & Roy, S. K. (2024). Effects of Seaweed Extract and 4-Chlorophenoxyacetic Acid (4-CPA) on Improving Growth and Yield of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.). Journal of Agricultural Sciences and Engineering, 6(3), 141-153. https://doi.org/10.48309/jase.2024.483477.1060
Singh, A., Sharma, K., Chahal, H. S., Kaur, H., & Hasanain, M. (2025). Seaweed-derived plant boosters: revolutionizing sustainable farming and soil health. Frontiers in Soil Science, 5, 1504045. https://doi.org/10.3389/fsoil.2025.1504045
Singh, T., Rawat, M., Singh, S. K., & Kumar, M. (2018). Impact of biofertilizer application on dry matter production and harvesting index in Colocasia esculenta (L.) Schott var. antiquorum. Plant Archives, 18(2), 1875-1878. https://www.cabidigitallibrary.org/doi/pdf/10.5555/20203001506
Sogoni, A., Ngcobo, B. L., Jimoh, M. O., Kambizi, L., & Laubscher, C. P. (2024). Seaweed-derived bio-stimulant (Kelpak®) enhanced the morphophysiological, biochemical, and nutritional quality of salt-stressed spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.). Horticulturae, 10(12), 1340. https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae10121340
Sujata, Goyal, V., Baliyan, V., Avtar, R., & Mehrotra, S. (2023). Alleviating drought stress in Brassica juncea (L.) Czern& Coss. by foliar application of biostimulants—orthosilicic acid and seaweed extract. Applied Biochemistry and Biotechnology, 195(1), 693-721. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12010-022-04085-2
Thirumalesh, S., Singh, S. K., Upadhyay, P., & Bakshi, M. (2025). Seaweed extract: A potential modulator of productivity and bulb quality in onion (Allium cepa L.). The Nucleus, 1-9. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13237-025-00603-9
Tofiq, G. K. (2025). Role of seaweed extract and vermicompost application on the morphology, yield, phytochemical, and elemental composition of cauliflower plants. Multidisciplinary Science Journal, 7(7), 2025322. https://doi.org/10.31893/multiscience.2025322
Yaseen, A. A., Madar, Á. K., Vojnović, Đ., & Takács-Hájos, M. (2023). Examining the optimal amount of moringa leaf extract to improve the morphological and inner quality of cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata). Journal of Food Quality, 2023(1), 3210253. https://doi.org/10.1155/2023/3210253
Yuniati, N., Kusumiyati, K., Mubarok, S., & Nurhadi, B. (2022). The role of moringa leaf extract as a plant biostimulant in improving the quality of agricultural products. Plants, 11(17), 2186. https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11172186
Yuniati, N., Kusumiyati, K., Mubarok, S., & Nurhadi, B. (2023). Assessment of biostimulant derived from moringa leaf extract on growth, physiology, yield, and quality of green chili pepper. Sustainability, 15(9), 7113. https://doi.org/10.3390/su15097113
Zamljen, T., Šircelj, H., Veberič, R., Hudina, M., & Slatnar, A. (2024). Impact of two brown seaweed (Ascophyllum nodosum L.) biostimulants on the quantity and quality of yield in cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.). Foods, 13(3), 401. https://doi.org/10.3390/foods13030401
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Suman, S., Dhangrah, V., Singh, S. and Bakshi, M. (2026) “Enhancing Growth and Productivity of Broccoli through Natural Biostimulants: A Comparative Study of Seaweed and Moringa Leaf Extracts”, International Journal of Advancement in Life Sciences Research, 9(4), pp. 123-133. doi: https://doi.org/10.31632/ijalsr.2026.v09i04.008.
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