Responses of seed germination and yield related traits to seed pretreatment and foliar spray of humic and amino acids compounds in carrot (Daucus carota L.).

Abstract

This investigation was conducted at Research Farm and Plant Physiology Laboratory, Faculty of Agriculture, Damascus University to study the effects of some humic compounds and amino acids on seed germination characteristics and some quantitative traits of carrot (Nantes variety). Five commercial organic fertilizers were used (WAF1, WAF3, P-Humas, Agro and Acto). The results showed that seed treatments in organic solutions reduced germination time, improved germination uniformity and increased seed vigor. Among all fertilizers WAF3 1.5 g/l (T2), consists of amino and organic acids, was significantly superior and recorded maximum germination capacity and germination percentage 62% and 94% respectively, take minimum time for seeds germination 5.2 day, highest homogeneity of seed germination 14.5 seed/day and seed vigor 1.78 g/100 seedling emergence. Field experiment revealed that foliar application of organic fertilizers significantly improved plant growth and roots yield by increasing plant height, plant fresh weight, leaves fresh weight, roots fresh weight and harvest index. Among treatments, Agro 1.5 mL (T4) “45% organic material in the form of amino acids + (Fe, Mn, S, Zn, B, Cu, Mo)” recorded maximum plant height 43.1 cm, plant fresh weight 143 g, roots fresh weight 111 g and harvest index 77.60%.