Bahman Panahi; Bahareh Damankeshan; Mohammad Asaadi
Abstract
Bunch fading disorder in date palm is a serious problem in date fruit production around the world. During their growth and development, bunches of date fruit were treated with amino chelates of Mn (2 or 4 ppm), Cu (2 or 4 ppm), Zn (2 or 4 ppm), Ca (4 or 6 ppm), K (5 or 7 ppm). The effects were evaluated ...
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Bunch fading disorder in date palm is a serious problem in date fruit production around the world. During their growth and development, bunches of date fruit were treated with amino chelates of Mn (2 or 4 ppm), Cu (2 or 4 ppm), Zn (2 or 4 ppm), Ca (4 or 6 ppm), K (5 or 7 ppm). The effects were evaluated on bunch fading disorder, as well as on qualitative features and quantitative traits of date palm fruit (Phoenix dactylifera L.). This research was conducted on 15-year-old date palm trees (cv. ʻMazafatiʼ) in a randomized complete block design with 11 treatments in three replications. Fruit bunches were sprayed with amino chelates twice during fruit development, i.e. in the Hababook and Khalal stages. The results showed that all amino chelates reduced the percentage of damage caused by the fading disorder. The highest percentage of damage (36.67%) was recorded in the control group because it had received no spraying treatment. In treatment groups, however, the amino chelates had significant effects on fruit yield, seed weight, seed length, pH, TSS, and fruit moisture. The lowest amount of fruit yield was observed in the control group (44.5 kg), whereas all treatment groups staged a significant increase in yield. Specifically, high amounts of fruit yield were caused by Mn-2ppm (65.83 kg), Cu-2ppm (64.33 kg), Ca-4ppm (62.17 kg) and Cu-4ppm (60.83 kg). All treatments increased the fruit moisture content, compared to the control, and had significant effects on some chemical traits of date leaves and fruits. A significant increase in pigments occurred as a result of amino chelate spraying. In sum, amino chelates were significantly effective in reducing the bunch fading disorder.
Zahra Shahbazi; Amin Salehi; Saeid Hazrati; Mohsen Movahedi Dehnavi
Abstract
The application of organic fertilizers alone or in combination with bio-fertilizers is important for sustainable agriculture, healthy agricultural production and restoring soil quality. Compost, vermicompost and mycorrhiza amendments could improve soil quality and plant yield. However, little is known ...
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The application of organic fertilizers alone or in combination with bio-fertilizers is important for sustainable agriculture, healthy agricultural production and restoring soil quality. Compost, vermicompost and mycorrhiza amendments could improve soil quality and plant yield. However, little is known about their impact on yield and quality of European borage (Borago officinalis L.). To evaluate the effects of vermicompost, granulated compost, and mycorrhiza on qualitative and quantitative traits of B. officinalis an experiment was carried out based on a randomized complete block design arranged in a factorial experiment with three replications. Organic fertilizers in five levels (0, 5 and 10 t/ha vermicompost and 3 and 6 t/ha granulated compost) and mycorrhiza (Glomus mosseae) in two levels (with and without) were considered. It was shown that the effects of organic fertilizer and mycorrhiza application on nitrogen content were significant in such a way that the maximum nitrogen content was obtained by 10 t/ha vermicompost and mycorrhiza inoculation treatment. The main effects of organic fertilizer and mycorrhiza on phosphorus and potassium contents were also significant. The maximum values were obtained when 10 t/ha vermicompost and mycorrhiza were applied together. Total chlorophyll content, flower-bearing branches, mucilage, and phenol were measured in all three harvests. The results indicated that the interaction effect of harvesting time, organic fertilizer, and mycorrhiza was only significant on chlorophyll content. The maximum chlorophyll content (0.958 mg g-1 freshweight) was detected in the third harvest when 10 t/ha vermicompost and mycorrhiza were applied. Maximum mucilage content (4.23%), phenol content (5.07%) and flower-bearing branches (57.45 g m-2) were obtained by 10 t/ha vermicompost treatment. The results suggested that chemical fertilizers could be replaced by organic fertilizer and mycorrhiza to reduce soil and water contamination in the agroecosystems.
