Document Type : Research Article

Authors

1 Ferdowsi University of Mashhad

2 Research Institute for Food Science

Abstract

Introduction: In recent years many farmers in Iran interested in to cultivate and produce different medicinal plants which are so important in traditional agriculture in Iran. In order to reduce the environmental impacts of using chemical inputs and also to increase the quality of plant secondary metabolite components, the emphasis is on sustainable agriculture base on using of organic and biological fertilizer. Dwarf chicory (Cichorium pumilum Jacq.) is an annual plant from Asteraceae family. Dwarf chicory is classified by jacq as subspecies of the cultivated species Cichorium endeva which consumed for healing a variety of diseases such as bacterial infection, poisoning and rheumatism. The use of organic fertilizer in the form of humic acid and fulvic acid play an important role in sustainable agriculture. Humic substances can be added to the soil for improvement the crop yield. A benefit of humic acid due to its ability to complex metal ions and form aqueous complexes with micronutrients and also may form an enzymatically active complex, which can be carry on reactions that are usually assigned to the metabolic activity of living microorganisms. In additional of using organic fertilizers, the biological fertilizer like mycorrhiza fungi is a good approach in agriculture. Mycorrhizal fungi have been used to enhance the plant growth and yield of medicinal crops and to help maintain good soil health and fertility that contributes to a greater extent to a sustainable yield and good quality of the products. The present study was conducted to evaluate the effects of organic fertilizers and mycorrhizae inoculation on quantitative and qualitative characteristics of dwarf chicory (Cichorium pumilum Jacq.) in different cuttings.
Materials and Methods: The experiment was carried out in a factorial layout based on randomized complete block design with three replications at Research Station, Faculty of Agriculture, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad (59°28 E and 36°15 N ) in 2012-2013 growing season. The experimental treatments were all combination of organic fertilizers in four levels (cow manure, humic acid, fulvic acid and control) and three levels of Mycorrhiza inoculation (Glomus mosseae, Glomus intraradices and no inoculation) and The collected data were analyzed as split- plot in time based on randomized complete block design (due to having two cuttings during growing season) compared. The 12 fertilizer treatments and two cuts were considered as main and sub plots, respectively. The plots were 2.5*5 m (12.5 m2). The soil of the experimental field was silty loam with pH 8.09, contains total N (0.08 %), available P (10.25 ppm), and available K (286 ppm) with an EC of 1.26 dsm−1. The parameters measured were such as: leaf weight per plant, stem weight per plant, leaf/stem ratio, the leaf area index, fresh yield, dry matter yield and the poly phenol content. The poly phenol content was determined based on Wojdylo et al. (2007) method. The results were analyzed using SAS statistical program and MSTAT-C. The mean comparisons were performed using least significant difference (LSD) test.
Results and Discussion: The results showed that the highest (4544 kg.ha-1) and the lowest dry matter (1739 kg.ha-1) yield were obtained in second and first cut, respectively. The results indicated that inoculation with mycorrhizal species increased the leaf area index, dry matter yield and leaf weight per plant compared with control treatment. However, there was no significant difference between G. mosseae and G. intraradices in terms of former mentioned criteria. The results showed that using organic fertilizers improved leaf area index, dry matter yield and leaf weight per plant. The highest dry matter yield (3470 kg/ha), leaf area index (1.01), stem weight per plant (11.50 g) and leaf weight per plant (0.72 g) were obtained in humic acid treatment. Studied treatments and also different cutting had no significant effect on poly phenols contents of leaves. In generally, our results showed that application of biological and organic fertilizers improved the most of studied traits of dwarf chicory and G.mosseae + humic acid treatment was the best.
Conclusion: In this paper we have shown that yield contributing characters were significantly influenced by different treatment combinations of humic acid and mycorrhizal fungi and became maximum when humic acid and Glomus mossae were applied. In order to minimize contamination of the environment and sustainable agriculture, using biological and organic fertilizers can lead to reduction of chemical fertilizers application in agro ecosystems.

Keywords

Akbari P., Ghalavand A., and Modarres Sanavi S.A.M. 2009. Effects of Different Nutrition Systems (Organic, Chemical and Integrated) and Biofertilizer on Yield and Other Growth Traits of Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.). Journal of Agriculture Science, 1: 83-93. (in Persian with English abstract)
2-Aghhavani Shajari M. 2012. Effects of single and combined application of nutrients on quantitative and qualitative indices of Coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.). MSc Thesis. Faculty of Agriculture. Ferdowsi University of Mashhad. Iran. (in Persian with English abstract)
3-Amin Ghafori A., Rezvani Moghaddam P., Nassiri Mahallati M., Khorramdel S., and Ebrahimian E. 2013. Evaluation of growth characteristics of castor bean (Ricinus communis L.) affected by organic fertilizers. 605-609 Pp. 8th Congress of Horticultural Sciences, 26-28 August. 2013. Bo Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran.
4-Ahvazi M., Rezvani Aghdam A., and Habibi Khaniani B. 2010. Herb seeds (morphology, physiology and medicinal properties), Jahadeh Danesghahi Tehran, Tehran.
5-Balandari A., and Rezvani Moghaddam P. 2011. Effects of planting date and density on development of stages and shoot dry matter production of dwarf Chicory (Cichorium pumilum Jacq.). Iranian Journal of Field Crops Research, 9: 438-446. (in Persian with English abstract(
6-Balandari A. 2011. Eco-physiological characteristics and cultivation aspects of dwarf chicory (Cichorium pumilum Jacq.) In Mashhad. PhD Thesis. Faculty of Agriculture, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad.Iran. (in Persian with English abstract)
7- Bahrami K., and Omid Beigi R. 2002. The effect of nitrogen and phosphorus on fertility and quality of medicinal plant active ingredient of buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench)‎‏. MSc Thesis. Faculty of Horticulture. Tarbiat Modares University. Iran. . (in Persian with English abstract)
8-Jahan M., Amiri M.B., Dehghani Pour, and Tahami Zarandi M.K.2013.The effect of fertilizer and winter cover crops on essential oil production and some agroecological characteristics of basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) .Iranian Journal of Field Crops Research, 10: 751-763. (in Persian with English abstract)
9-Khoramdel S., Koocheki A., Nassiri Mahallati M., and Ghorbani R. 2008. Application effects of biofertilizers on the growth indices of black cumin (Nigella sativa L.). Journal of Iranian Field Crop Research, 6: 285-294. (in Persian with English abstract)
10-Doaiy F .2013. Evaluation the application effects of organic and biological fertilizers on vegetative and seed yields and yield components of dwarf chicory (Cichorium pumilum Jacq.). MSc Thesis. Ferdowsi University of Mashhad. Iran. (in Persian with English abstract(
11-Rezvani Moghaddam P., Balandari A., and Seyyedi S. M. 2014. The integrated fertilizer management of forage chicory (Cichorium intybus L. cv. Grasslands Puna) as affected by harvest time and cutting frequency. Iranian Journal of Crop Sciences, 15: 207-221. )in Persian with English abstract(
12- Sabzevari S., and Khazaie H.R. 2009. The Effect of foliar application with humic acid on growth, yield, and yield components of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). Journal of Agroecology, 1: 53-63. (In Persian, with English Abstract)
13-Sarmad Nia G.H. and Koochaki A. 2002. Plants field physiology. Jahadeh Danesghahi Mashhad, Mashhad.
14- Koochaki A., Nassiri Mahalati M., and Najafi F. 2004. The agrobiodiversity of medicinal and aromatic plants in Iran. Iranian Journal of Field Crops Research, 2: 208-216. (in Persian with English abstract(
15- Samavat S., and Malakuti M. 2005. Important use of organic acid (humic and fluvic) for increase quantity and quality agriculture productions. Water and Soil Researchers Technical, 463: 1-13. (in Persian with English abstract(
16-Sharifi M., Mohtashamian M., Riyahi H., Aghaiy A., and Alavii S.M. 2010. The Effects of the Vesicular-Arbascular Mychorrizal (VAM) Fungus Glumos etunicatum on growth and some physiological parameters of Basil. Journal of Medicinal Plants, 38: 85-94(in Persian with English abstract(
17- Fatemi H., Ameri A., Aminifard M.H., and Arooyi H. 2011. Investigation of Effect of humic acid Fertilizer on growth and Yield of Ocimum basilicum under Field Conditions.First National Conference on Modern Topics in Agriculture, 2 November. 2011. Islamic Azad University., Saveh, Iran.
18-Moradi R., Rezvani Moghaddam P., Nasiri Mahallati M., and Lakzian A. 2009. The effect of application of organic and biological fertilizers on yield, yield components and essential oil of Foeniculum vulgare (Fennel). Journal of Journal Field Crop Research,7: 625-635. (In Persian, with English Abstract)
19- Nassiri Mahalati M., Koochaki A., Rezvani Moghaddam P., and Beheshti A. 2009. Agroecology. Ferdowsi University of Mashhad. Mashhad.
20- Valadabadi S.A.R., Lebaschi , and Aliabadi Farahani H. 2009. The effects of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), P2O5 fertilizer and irrigation according to physiological growth indices of coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.). Iranian Journal of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, 25: 414-428. (in Persian, with English Abstract)
21- Yousefzadeh S., Modarres-Sanavy S.A.M., Sefidkon F., Asgarzadeh A., Ghalavand A., Roshdi M., and Safaralizadeh A. 2013. Effect of biofertilizer, azocompost and nitrogen on morphologic traits and essential oil content of Dracocephalum moldavica L. in two regions of Iran. Iranian Journal of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, 29: 438-459. (in Persian, with English Abstract)
22-Sanderson M A., Labreveux M., Hall M. H., and Elwinger G.F. 2003. Forage Yield and Persistence of Chicory and English Plantain. Crop Science, 43:995–1000
23-Bachman G.R., and Davis W.E. 2000. Growth of Magnolia virginiana liners in vermicompost- amended media. Pedo Biologia, 43: 579-590.
24-Befrozfar M.R., Habibi D., Asgharzadeh A., Sadeghi- Shoae M., and Tookalloo M.R. 2013. Vermicompost, plant growth promoting bacteria and humic acid can affect the growth and essence of basil (Ocimum basilicum L.). Annals of Biological Research, 4: 8-12.
25-Cabello M., Irrazabal G., Bucsinszky A.M., Saparrat M. and Schalamuk S. 2005. Effect of an arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus, Glomus mosseae, and a rock-phosphate-solubilizing fungus, Penicillium thomii, on Mentha piperita growth in a soilless medium. Journal of Basic Microbiology, 45:182-189.
26-Cardoso I.M., and Kuyper T.W. 2006. Mycorrhizas and tropical soil fertility. Agriculture, Ecosystems and Environment, 116: 72-84.
27-Douds J.R., and Millner P.D. 1999. Biodiversity of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in agroecosystems. Agriculture, Ecosystems and Environment, 74: 77-93.
28-Gharib F.A., Moussa L.A. and Massoud O.N. 2008. Effect of compost and bio-fertilizers on growth, yield and essential oil of sweet marjoram (Majorana hortensis) plant. International Journal of Agriculture and Biology, 10: 381-387.
29-Gosling P., Hodge A., Goodlass G., and Bending G.D. 2006. Arbuscular mycorrhiza fungi and organic farming. Agriculture, Ecosystems and Environment, 113: 17-35.
30-Guarda G., Padovan S., and Delogu G. 2004. Grain yield, nitrogen-use efficiency and baking quality of old and modern Italian bread-wheat cultivars grown at different nitrogen levels. European Journal of Agronomy, 21: 181–192.
31-Harper S.M., Kerven G.L., Edwards D.G., and Ostatek-Boczynski Z. 2000. Characterization of fulvic and humic acids from leaves of Eucalyptus camaldulensis and from decomposed hay. Soil Biology and Biochemistry, 32: 1331-1336.
32-Karimi M.M., and Siddique K.H.M. 1991. Crop growth and relative growth rates of old and modern wheat cultivars. Australian Journal of Agriculture Research, 42:13-20.
33-Karthikeyan B., Abdul Jaleel C., Lakshmanan G.M.A., and Deiveekasundaram M. 2008. Studies on rhizosphere microbial diversity of some commercially important medicinal plants. Colloids and Surfaces B: Biointerfaces, 62: 143 145.
34-Kizilkaya R. 2008. Yield response and nitrogen concentrations of spring wheat (Triticum aestivum) inoculated with Azotobacter chroococcum strains. Ecological Engineering, 33:150–156.
35-Limon-Ortega A., Govaerts B., and Sayre K. D. 2008. Straw management, crop rotation, and nitrogen source effect on wheat grain yield and nitrogen use efficiency. European Journal of Agronomy, 29: 21-28.
36- Macginis M., Cooke A., Bilderbac T., and Lorscheilder M. 2003. Organic fertilizer for basil transplant production. Acta Horticultre, 491: 213-218.
37-Mahfouz S.A., and Sharaf-Eldin M.A. 2007. Effect of mineral vs. biofertilizer on growth, yield, and essential oil content of fennel (Foeniculum vulgare Mill.). International Agrophysics, 21: 361-366.
38-Rechinger K.H. 1977. Flora iranica. akademiche Druck .U.Verlagsanstalt. GAZ AUSTRIA, 122: 6-9.
39-Shaalan M. N. 2005. Effect of compost and different sources of biofertilizers, on borage plants (Borago officinalis). Egypt Journal of Agriculture Research, 83: 271-376
40-Stark C., Condron L. M., Stewart A., Di H. J., and Ocallaghan M. 2007. Influence of organic and mineral amendments on microbial soil properties and processes. Applied Soil Ecology, 35: 79-93.
41-Trevisan S., Francioso O., Quaggiotti S., and Nardi S. 2010. Humic substances biological activity at the plant-soil interface from environmental aspects to molecular factors. Plant Signaling and Behavior, 5: 635-643.
42-Valdrighi M.M., Pear A., Agnolucci M., Frassinetti S., Lunardi D., and Vallini G. 1996. Effects of compost derived humic acids on vegetable biomass production and microbial growth within a plant (Cichorium intybus) soil system: a comparative study. Agriculture, Ecosystems and Environment, 58: 133–144.
43-Vessey J.K. 2003. Plant growth promoting rhizobacteria as biofertilizers. Plant Soil, 255: 571–586.
44- Wojdylo A., Oszmianski J., and Czemerys R. 2007. Antioxidant activity and phenolic compound in 32 selected herbs. Food Chemistry, 1005: 940-949.
45-Yeasmin T., Rahman P., Absar A.N., and Khanum N.S. 2007. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus inoculum production in rice plants. African Journal of Agricultural Research, 2: 463-467.
46-Zink T.A., and Allen M.F. 1998. The effects of organic amendments on the restoration of a disturbed coastal sage scrub habitat. Restoration Ecology, 6: 52-58.
CAPTCHA Image