Medicinal Plants
Abolfazl Mohammadi Khorzani; Heshmat Omidi; Mohammad Hosein Bijeh Keshavarzi
Abstract
Purpose: This study investigated the effects of phosphorus, potassium, and humic acid fertilizers on growth, yield, and physiological traits of chicory under Arak’s climatic conditions using a factorial experiment. Research Method: The experiment was conducted in a randomized complete block design ...
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Purpose: This study investigated the effects of phosphorus, potassium, and humic acid fertilizers on growth, yield, and physiological traits of chicory under Arak’s climatic conditions using a factorial experiment. Research Method: The experiment was conducted in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Experimental factors included levels of phosphorus fertilizer (0, 8 and 12 kgha-1), potassium fertilizer (0, 10 and 15 kgha-1), and humic acid (0, 0.5 and 2 kgha-1). Findings The results showed that the highest Leaf Area Index was observed in the treatment of 12kg/ha phosphorus+10 kg/ha potassium sulfate+2 kg/ha humic acid, with a mean of 2.9. The highest number of flowers and the highest total chlorophyll content were obtained in 12 kg/ha phosphorus + 10 kg/ha potassium sulfate + 0.5 kg/ha humic acid treatment with averages of 49.11 per plant and 39.5µg/g FW respectively. The highest flower yield was in 10 kg/ha potassium sulfate treatment with an average of 330.6 kgha-1. The highest content of free proline was obtained in 8 kg/ha phosphorus+15kg/ha potassium sulfate+2 kg/ha humic acid treatment with 0.97μmol/g FW. Combined phosphorus, potassium, and humic acid application significantly improved chicory growth, yield, and physiology, increasing leaf area index, flower number/yield, shoot yield, biomass, and chlorophyll content, while decreasing free proline. Research limitations: No significant limitations were identified in this study. Originality/Value: To maximize chicory growth and yield in the specific climatic conditions of this study, a balanced fertilizer application is crucial, as excessive fertilization can be harmful. This study suggests a combination of 8 kg/ha of superphosphate, 10kg/ha of potassium sulfate, and 0.5 kg/ha of humic acid powder. Future research should focus on understanding how these nutrients affect chicory at a mechanistic level and on evaluating the long-term consequences of various fertilization programs for soil fertility and environmental health.
Medicinal Plants
Ebrahim Fani
Abstract
Purpose: Purslane plant is used in the pharmaceutical and food industries. This study aimed to study some physiological and biochemical reactions of Portulaca oleracea to salinity stress and the effect of silica fertilizer application in reducing the harmful effects of salinity stress on climatic conditions ...
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Purpose: Purslane plant is used in the pharmaceutical and food industries. This study aimed to study some physiological and biochemical reactions of Portulaca oleracea to salinity stress and the effect of silica fertilizer application in reducing the harmful effects of salinity stress on climatic conditions of Behbahan city in southwestern of Iran. Research Method: Purslane seeds were planted in plastic pots. Salinity treatment was considered at two levels of 0 and 200 mM NaCl and silica fertilizer treatment were considered at two levels of 0 and 2g/l. Findings: Results revealed that with increase salinity concentration, plant height, amount of soluble sugar, amount of soluble protein and chlorophyll b significantly decreased. The use of silica fertilizer had a positive effect on the mentioned traits in comparison with its non-use. Based on the results, the use of silica fertilizer increased plant height, soluble sugar, and soluble protein by 16.19, 25.35 and 28.74%, respectively, compared to its non-use in salinity conditions on the Portulaca oleracea plant, which is very important due to the salinity of a large areas of agricultural lands in Iran. Research limitations: No limitations were founded. Originality/Value: This study showed that silica fertilizer, compared to its non-application, increased plant height and photosynthetic pigments and reduced the harmful effects of salinity stress on Portulaca oleracea. Therefore, both in the condition of lack of salinity and in the condition of salinity stress, the use of silica fertilizer is suggested in comparison with its non-use in order to improve the measured traits.
