Improving Growth and Seed Yield of Squash by Foliar Applications with Moringa Leaf Extract, Ascorbic Acid or Benzyladenine

doi:10.21608/ejoh.2015.1316

Improving Growth and Seed Yield of Squash by Foliar Applications with Moringa Leaf Extract, Ascorbic Acid or Benzyladenine

Document Type : Original Article

10.21608/ejoh.2015.1316

Abstract

FOLIAR SPRAY with nutrients and other amendments is becoming an …. essential addition to standard cultivation techniques and must be adjusted carefully to avoid off-target spray. Thus , this work has been intended to study the effect of foliar application of squash plants (var. Eskandrani) with moringa (Mo) dry leaf water extract (2,4 and 6 g/L), cytokines as benzyladenine (BA) or ascorbic acid (AsA) ( 50,100,200 ppm for both) and its reflect on the growth and seed yield. For that, two field experiments were conducted during summer seasons of 2013 and 2014 at Kaha, Kalyiobia Governorate, Horticulture Research Station, Egypt. Most examined growth attributes responded positively and gave significant increase than the control by adding the previous compounds. Concerning to moringa; the positive effect was directly proportional to the concentration used, while in BA and AA; it is clear that 100 ppm was the best concentration.
Squash plants sprayed with BA at 100 ppm recorded the highest mean value for number of leaves/ plant, leaves area/ plant and seed yield. Similarly, using AsA at 100 ppm had positive significant effect for plant height and fresh & dry weight/ plant. Also, the germination rate, i.e. the longevity of the period that the seeds required to indicate obvious germination, showed a significant decrease from the control by using any type or concentration of the applied substances.
All the compounds with its concentrations induced enhancement effect on NPK seed content compared to the control. In addition, BA 100 ppm appeared to represent the best stimulus for plant chlorophyll with a concomitant enhancement in carbohydrates content.
The results revealed that foliar application of squash plants with moringa leaf extract at the higher dose 6 g/L or benzyladenine as well as ascorbic acid at 100 ppm significantly increased the growth and seed yield parameters over the control with a concomitant enhancement on NPK seed content, leaves chlorophyll and carbohydrates.

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