Effect of humic acid and seaweed extract (ALGA) on growth characteristics and nutrient content of local apricot seedlings Prunus armeniaca L. H M A Al-Temimi1, A A Ali1 and Z M. Muhsin1

Abstract

The research was carried out at the Plant canopy of the Department of Horticulture and Landscape, College of Agriculture, University of Kerbala during the growing season of 2016. A factorial experiment with two factors designed. In accordance of randomized completely block design R.C.B.D. to study the effect of spraying with three levels of humic acid (0, 5 and 10 cm3.l−1)and three levels of Alga seaweed extract (0, 1 and 1.5 cm3.l−1)on some vegetative, root growth characteristics and leaf content of mineral elements N, P, K for local apricot seedlings. Treatments with three replicates. Each containing 45 seedlings with five seedlings per experimental unit were adopted. The results showed that a significant increase in plant height, stem diameter, number of leaves, leaf area, leaf content of chlorophyll, nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, dry weight of shoot, root length, and dry weight of root was noticed when treated with humic acid or seaweed extract (ALGA) alone or jointly compared with control treatment. The interaction between treatments measured at a concentration of 10 cm3.l−1 humic acid and 1.5 cm3.l−1. Alga the highest significant increase in the vegetative, root and leaf content of N.P.K for apricot seedlings was observed.

pdf