Ecofriendly seaweed extract-based bio-stimulant and PK fertilizer to enhance early and total yield of the globe artichoke

Globe artichoke is an important vegetable crop grown in the Mediterranean territories In Egypt, farmers planted artichoke for its nutritional and medicinal properties. The majority of globe artichoke production in Egypt is usually obtained in March and April While  the  optimum  time  for  exportation  to  European  countries is December up to February. The early production in this period is considered of great importance, because of the great demand and high prices. Shifting the yield pattern would be of great interest to meet the exportation   demands.   So,   this   study   evaluated   the   effect   of phosphorus and potassium (PK) fertilizer levels and foliar seaweed extract on early and total yield productivity and the growth of globe artichoke plants. Field experiments were conducted over two seasons on loamy–clay soil at the vegetable research farm, of the Faculty of Agriculture, Alexandria University, Egypt. Fertilizer levels of 0, 25, 50 and 75 mL L−1, and seaweed extract concentrations of 0, 5 and 10 mg L−1, individually and in combination, were used. Globe artichoke plants treated with PK liquid fertilizer, with and without seaweed extract, showed critical increases in growth (plant height and number of leaves per plant as well as foliage dry weight), yield, and some chemical constituents compared to untreated plants. The PK3 fertilizer level and 10 mL L−1 seaweed extract as a foliar spray showed greater effects than other combinations.

Author(s): Gehan A. Elsharkawy

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