..Effects of Humic Acid and Amino Acid on some Growth Traits on Super Daminus Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) under Drought Stress

Document Type : Research Article

Authors

• Meisam Najafi ¹
• Hossein Arouiee ¹
• Mohammad Hossein Aminifard ²

¹ Department of Horticultural Science and Landscape, Faculty of Agriculture, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad

² Department of Horticulture, Faculty of Agriculture, Birjand University

https://doi.org/10.22067/jhs.2021.61892.0

Abstract

Introduction: The deficiency of organic matter in the soil is one of the factors limiting cultivating and growing of plants. While the organic matter is the main factor of soil fertility and the ideal organic matter content of agricultural soils is about 4-6% according to the experiments performed, this amount is very low in arid and desert areas such as those  in Iran. The significant capability of humic fertilizers in the rapid improvement of soil fertilization level is quite recognizable. Humic acid has a direct role in determining the producing potential of the soil. Humic substances can have a positive effect on plant growth in different ways. Humic acid results in an increasing nitrogen uptake by plants and stimulates and enhances the uptake of Ca, Mg, P, and K. By enhancing the resistance to environmental stresses, increasing chlorophyll concentration and thus affecting photosynthesis, amino acids are effective in plant growth and yield. Given the conditions that agriculture faces, drought is the main limiting factor of agricultural production in the present and future. Research has reported that the improvement of plant growth under stress conditions by application of humic substances and amino acid. The use of these factors that increase plant growth in stressful conditions and improve yield is a useful and effective method. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of organic fertilizers on growth traits of cucumber plants under drought stress.
Materials and Methods: In order to explore the effect of drought stress on cucumber plant, an experiment was carried out in the research field of agriculture faculty of Ferdowsi University of Mashhad in 2015-2016. This study was performed as a factorial design in a completely randomized block design with three replications. The first factor was fertilization at four levels (control, humic acid application (200 ppm), glycine amino acid and glutamic acid application (6 liters per hectare), and combined application of humic acid (200 ppm), glycine amino acid and glutamic acid (6 liters per hectare), and the second factor was irrigation at three levels of 3, 5 and 7 days. Furrows with 2 m apart, 40 cm deep, 50 cm wide and 20 m long were created. Following the soil irrigation, the cucumber seeds were planted on the edge of the experimental hills (4-5 seeds per hill) that were spaced 50 cm apart. The treatments were applied via irrigation at specified concentration. At the end of the experiment Morphophysiological traits were measured.
Results and Discussion: The results showed that drought stress reduced fresh and dry weights of plant, a number of branches, root length, stem length, and internode length. The amount of available water to plants affects their growth traits. Increasing irrigation interval decreased vegetative growth parameters in this plant, which is undoubtedly due to the lack of water available to the plant. Drought stress leads to stomata closure, plant wilt, swelling reduction, and reduced water content and total potential of the leaf, resulting in decreased cell division, especially in shoots and leaves. As a result, the first effects of dehydration in plants can be seen in their smaller leaf size and lower height than normal conditions. The highest level of drought stress (7 days) decreases all the traits. Unfortunately, the use of humic acid and acid amine had no effect on the highest levels of stress (7 days). The application of humic acid alone could improve the effects of drought stress on the plant. Humic acid enhances plant growth by affecting plant cell metabolism as well as chelating power, increasing nutrient uptake, and increasing nitrogen content. Experimental studies have shown that glycine betaine strengthens enzymatic structures and activities and protein components, and cell wall stability against the damaging effects of environmental stresses is considered to be one of its activities. It seems that organic matter and humic compounds including humic acid through positive physiological effects including effects on plant cells metabolism, increased leaf chlorophyll concentration, increased metabolism within cells, and increased durability of photosynthetic tissues (Increasing leaf durability) leads to increase of production performance and biomass production in plants.
Conclusion: The use of humic acid alone led to improved leaf area, root length, and other traits. These factors caused an improvement in the photosynthetic rate in the plant, resulting in improved yield and growth under drought stress conditions (increased irrigation intervals). The protective and moderating role of the humic acid application under drought stress is one of the reasons for growth improvement by these compounds. In general, the combined application of humic acid and amino acid in the form of irrigation fertilizer in cucumber under drought stress improved growth traits and prevented yield reduction.

Keywords

• Irrigation
• Morphological traits
• Yield

20.1001.1.20084730.1400.35.4.6.2

Main Subjects

• Growing vegetables

References

1. Abaszadeh Faruji R., Shoor M., TehraniFar A., Abedi B., and Safari N. 2018. Effects of Humic Acid and Fulvic Acid on some Morphological Characteristics of Geranium. Journal of Horticultural Science 32(1): 35-50.
2. Abe N., Murata T., and Hirota A. 1998. Novel 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryhy- drazyl- radical scavengers, bisorbicillin and demethyltrichodimerol, from a fungus. Bioscience, Biotechnology, and Biochemistry 62: 661-662.
3. Agboma M., Jones M. G. K., Peltonen-Sainio P., Rita H. and Pehu E. 1997. Exogenous glycinebetaine enhances grain yield of maize, sorghum and wheat grown under two supplementary watering regimes. Journal of Agronomy and Crop Science 178: 29-37.
4. Amiri M.B., Rezvani moghadam P., Ehyayi H.R., and Norozian A. 2010. Effect of humic acid and different salinity levels on germination and seedling growth indices of two wheat cultivars (Chamran, Azar). The first national conference of environmental stresses in agricultural science. February. Birjand. University of Birjand.
5. Arakawa T., and Timasheff S.N. 1983. Preferential interactions of proteins with solvent components in aqueous amino acid solutions. Archives of Biochemistry and Biophysics 224: 169 177.
6. Asgari M., Habibi D., and Naderi Boroujerdi Gh. 2011. Study of application of vermicompost, growth stimulating bacteria and humic acid on growth parameters of peppermint (Mentha piperita ) in Markazi province. Journal of Agronomy and Plant Breeding 7(4): 41-54. (In Persian)
7. Astaraei A.R., and Ivani, R. 2008. Effect of organic sources as foliar spray and root media on nutrition if cowpea plant. American-Eurasian Journal of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences 3(3): 352-356.
8. Ayas H. and Gulser F. 2005. The Effect of sulfur and humic on yield components and macronutrient contents of spinach. Journal of Biological Sciences 5(6): 801-804.
9. Baghkhani, F. and Farahbakhsh, H. 2008. Effects of drought stress on yield and some physiological traits of three spring safflower cultivars. Agriculture Journal: Water, Soil and Plant in Agriculture 8(2):45-57. (In Persian).
10. Bates L., Waldren R., and Teare I. 1973. Rapid determination of free proline for water-stress studies. Plant and Soil 39(1): 205-207.
11. Behdani M.A., and Jami al-Ahmadi M. 2009. Response of spring safflower cultivars to different irrigation intervals in Birjand. Iranian Journal of Agricultural Research 8(2): 315-323. (In Persian)
12. Boutraa, T., 2010. Improvement of water use efficiency in irrigated agriculture: A review. Journal of Agronomy 9: 1–8.
13. Boyer J. S., and Westgate, M. E. 2004. Grain yields with limited water. Journal of Experimental Botany 55: 2385 -2394.
14. Bronick E.J. and Lai R. 2005. Soil structure and management: a review. Geoderma 124: 3-22.
15. Carrol Η.V., Longley R.W., and Roe J.H. 1956. The determination of glycogen in liver and muscle by use of anthrone reagent. The Journal of Biological Chemistry 220: 583-93.
16. Dere S., Gines T., and Sivaci R. 1998. Spectrophotometric determination of chlorophyll a, b and total carotenoied content of some algae species using different solvent. Turkish Journal of Botany 22: 13-17.
17. Erkossa T., Stahr K., and Tabor G. 2002. Integration of organic and inorganic fertilizers: effect on vegetable productivity. Ethiopian Agricultural Research Organization, DebreZeit Agricultural Research Centre, Ethiopia 82: 247-256.
18. Fatemi H., Ameri Y., Aminifard M.H., Aroui H. 2011. Effect of humic acid on essential oil and vegetative properties of basil. 1st National Conference on New Concepts in Agriculture. Saveh. Islamic Azad University.
19. Ghamani A., Esmailpour B., Pour birmi hir Y., Maleki Ljayer H., and Saadati A. 2012. Investigation the effects of thidiazouron and humic acid on postharvest life of cut alstroemeria aurantifolia "konyambe".  Journal of Horticulture Science (Agricultural Sciences and Technology) 26(2): 147-152.
20. Ghorbani S., Khazaei H., Kafi M., Banayan aval M., and Sadeghi Shoghagh M. 2013. Effect of different levels of humic acid levels on yield, yield components and corn growth indices. Journal of Crop Research 5(4): 325-337. (In Persian)
21. Gomes Sanchez D.V., Annozzi G.P., Baldini M., Tahamasebi Enferadi S., and Dell Vedove G. 2000. Effect of soil water availability in sunflower lines derived from interspecific crosses. Italian Journal of Agronomy 371-387.
22. Gorgini Shabankareh H., Sabouri F., Saedi F., and Fakheri B.A. Effects of Different Levels of Humic Acid on Growth Indices and Essential Oil of Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis L.) under Different Irrigation Regimes. Journal of Crop Science Research in Arid Regions 1(2): 166-176.
23. Gorham J. 1995. Betaines in higher plants biosynthesis and role in stress metabolism. In: Amino Acids and Their Derivatives in Higher Plants, (ed.) R. M. Wallsgrove., Cambridge University Press., Cambridge., PP. 171–203.
24. Gregory P.J. 2006. Plant Roots (Growth, Activity and Interaction with Soils), Black well Publishing 35: 150-173.
25. Gulser F., Sonmez F., and Boysan S. 2010. Effects of calcium nitrate and humic acid on pepper seed ling growth under saline condition. Journal of Environmental Biology 31: 73-876.
26. Haghparast R., Zangane S, and Rajabi R. 2012. Effect of seed treatment with humic and fulvic acid on wheat germination under drought stress. 06^th National Conference on New Ideas in Agriculture. Khurasegan. Islamic Azad University.
27. Haidar Al-madhagi I. 2019. Effect of humic acid and yeast on the yield of greenhouse cucumber. Journal of Horticulture and Postharvest Research 2(1): 67-82.
28. Harper S.M., Kerven G.L., Edwards D.G., and Ostatek-Boczynski Z. 2000. Characterisation of fulvic and humic acids from leaves of Eucalyptus camaldulensis and from decomposed hay. Soil Biology 32: 1331-1336.
29. Hassani, A., and Amiri M.R. 2017. Effect of foliar application of amino acids on nitrogen use efficiency, grain yield and quality of barley. Applied field Crops Reserch 29(3): 76-86.
30. Jabari M., and Ebadi Gh. 2011. Effect of supplemental irrigation on the absorption of elements, water relations and assessment of marsh infestation in safflower under Ardebil conditions. Journal of Environmental Tensions in Crop Sciences 3(2): 115-127. (In Persian)
31. Jeyhooni M. 2010. Comprehensive study of humic substances and their application in agriculture. Technical Journal 3.
32. Jing-min Z., Shang-jun X., Mao-peng S., Bing-yao M., Xiu-mei C., and Chunsheng L. 2010. Effect of Humic Acid on Poplar Physiology and BiochemistryProperties and Growth underDifferent Water Level. Journal of Soil and Water Conservation.
33. Karakurt Y., Unlu H., and Padem H. 2009. The influence of foliar and soli fertiizationn of humic acid on yeild and quality of pepper. Plant Soli Science 59(3): 233-237.
34. Karami A., and Sepehri A. 2013. Effects of Application of Nitroxin and Biophosphate on the Nutrient Use Efficiency and Harvest Index of (Borago officinalis ) UnderWater Deficit Stress. Journal of Agriculture Science and Sustainable Production 23(3): 144-156.
35. Khaninejad S., Kafi, M., Khazaei H., Shabahang J., and Nabati J. 2013. Effect of different levels of nitrogen and phosphorus on characteristics and forage yield of Kochia (Kochia Scoparia) in irrigation with two salinity levels. Iranian Journal of Agricultural Research 11(2): 275-282. (In Persian)
36. Kirnak C., Kaya I., and Higgs D. 2001. The influence of water deficit on vegetative growth, physiology, fruit yield and quality in egg plants. Plant Physiology 27: 34-46.
37. Kumar V., and Sharma D.R. 1989. Effect of exogenous proline on growth and ion content in NaCl stressed and nonstressed cells of mungbean, Vigna radiata radiate. Indian Journal of Experimental Biology 27: 813-815.
38. Liu C., Cooper R.J., and Bowman D.C. 1996. Humic acid application affects photosynthesis, root development, and nutrient content of creeping bentgrass. Crop Science 36: 471- 482.
39. Ma X.L., Wang Y.J., Xie S.L., Wang C., and Wang W. 2007. Glycinebetaine application ameliorates negative effects of drought stress in tobacco. Russian Journal of Plant Physiology 54: 472–479.
40. Marcum K.B. 1998. Cell memberance theromotability and whole-plant heat tolerance of Kentucky. Crop Science 38: 1214-1218.
41. McDonald S., Prenzler P.D., Autolovich M., and Robards K. 2001. Phenolic content and antioxidant activity of olive extracts. Food Chemistry 73: 73-84.
42. Mirhajian A. 2012. What is humic acid? News, Analysis, Training and Agricultural Engineering of Monthly 33: 7-16.
43. Moghbeli T., and Arvin M.J. 2014. Effect of seed preparation with growth regulators on germination, growth and yield of Melon fruit. Journal of Production and Processing of Agricultural and Horticultural Products 4(14): 23-33. (In Persian)
44. Mojaddam M., Dashti M., and Derogar N. 2016. Effect of humic acid and nitrogen fertilizer application on quantitative and qualitative characteristics and nitrogen use efficiency of spring corn. Iranian Journal of Field Crops Research 8(1).
45. Mokhtari A., and Baradaran R. 2011. Effect of drought stress on some growth indices of Satureja hortensis. The First Regional Conference on Ecophysiology of Crop Plants.Islamic Azad University of Shushtar. Shushtar, Iran. 317-319. (In Persian)
46. Mousavifar B., Behdani M., Jami al-ahmadi M., and Hoseini Bajd M.S. 2011. The effect of limited irrigation on some morphological traits and biological yield of spring safflower cultivars. Journal of Environmental Tensions in Crop Sciences 3(2): 105-114. (In Persian)
47. Mustafa P., Türkmen O., and Dursun A. 2010. Effects of potassium and humic acid on emergence, growth and nutrient contents of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus ) seedling under saline soil conditions. African Journal of Biotechnology 9(333) 5343-5346.
48. Naghdibadi H., Labafi M.R., Ghavami M., Ghaderi A., Abdoosi V., Agharabparast M.R., and Mehrafarin A. 2015. Responses of Quality and Quantity Yield of Garden Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) to Foliar Application of Bio-stimulator Based on Amino Acids and Methanol. Journal of Medicinal Plants 2(54): 146-158.
49. Naiebzadeh M., Haakimi L., and Khalighi A. 2019. Investigating the effect of glycine betaine and humi-forthi on morpho-physiological and biochemical properties Pelargonium graveolens under water stress. Journal of Plant Production (Journal of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources) 26(3): 37-56.
50. Nardi S., Pizzeghello D., Muscolo A., and Vianello A. 2002. Physiological effects of humic substances on higher plants. Soil Biology and Biochemistry 34: 1527-1536.
51. Nasooti Miandoab R., Samavat S., and Tehrani M.M. 2010. Humic acid fertilizer on plants and soil properties. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry 101: 53-55. (In Persian)
52. Rafiei F., Kashani A., Mamghani R., and Golchin A. 2005. Effect of irrigation steps and nitrogen application on yield and some morphological characteristics of sunflower golshid hybrid. Journal of Agricultural Sciences of Iran 7(1): 44-54. (In Persian)
53. Rahimizadeh M., Kashani A., Zare Fizabady A., Madani H., and Soltani E. 2010. Effect of micronutrient fertilizers on sunflower growth and yield in drought stress condition. Electronic Journal of Crop Production 3(1): 57-72.
54. Rasti A., Safari M., and Maghsoudimood Gh.A. 2014. Effect of organic and chemical fertilizers on performance indices and safflower performance components under drought stress. Scientific Journal of Irrigation and Water Engineering 5(18): 69-80. (In Persian)
55. Sabzevari S., Khazai H.R., and Kafi M. 2009. The Effect of foliar application with humic acid on growth, yield and yield components of wheat (Triticum aestivum). Journal of Agroecology 1(2): 52-63.
56. Salahvarzi Y., Tehranifar A., and Ghazanchian A. 2008. Investigation of physiomorphologic changes of native and foreign green foliage, in drought stress and irrigation again. Iranian Journal of Horticultural Engineering 9: 193-204. (In Persian)
57. Salehi B., Bagherzade A., and Ghasemi M. 2010. Effect of humic acid organic matter on growth characteristics, yield and yield components of three tomato cultivars (Lycopersicon esculentum). Journal of Agroecology 2(4): 640-647.
58. Samia E.S.S. 2008. Effect of salinity and osmatic stresses on some economic plants. Research Journal of Agriculture and Biological Sciences 4(2): 159-166.
59. Sebastiano D., Roberto T., Ersilio D., and Arturo A. 2005. Effect of foliar application of N and humic acids on growth and yield of durum wheat. Journal of Agriculture Research 25(2): 183- 191.
60. Shafeek M.R., and Omar N. 2016. Effect of spraying or ground drench from humic acid on growth, total output and fruits nutritional values of cucumber (Cucumis sativus) grown under plastic house conditions. International Journal of Pharmtech Research 9(12): 52-57.
61. Sharafzadeh S., and Zare M. Effect of Drought Stress on Qualitative and Quantitative Characteristics of Some Medicinal Plants from Lamiaceae Family; Advances in Environmental Biology 5(8): 2058-2062.
62. Sharif M., Khattak R.A., and Sarir M.S. 2002. Effect of different levels of lignitic coal drived humic acid on growth of maize plants. Communication in Soil Science and Plant Analysis 33(19-20): 3567-3580. (In Persian)
63. Singer M.J., and Bissonnais L.Y. 1998. Importance of surface sealing in the erosion of some soils from a Mediterranean climate. Geomorphology 24(1): 79-85.
64. Taghadosi M., Hasani N., and Sinky J. 2012. Disruption of irrigation and spraying stress with humic acid and algae extract on antioxidant enzymes and propylene in forage sorghum. Journal of Crop Production in Environmental Conditions 4(4): 1-12. (In Persian)
65. Taheri Gh., and Rostami M. 2013. Effect of humic acid on vegetative growth and proline content of basil (Ocimum basilicum) under different salinity conditions. The first national conference on salinity stress in palnts and developing strategies for saline agriculture. 12 and 13 September. Azarbaijan Shahid Madani University.
66. Tan K.H. 2003. Humic Matter in Soil and the Environment. Marcel Dekker, New York.
67. Taylor G., and Cooper L. 2004. Humic acid: The root to healthy plant growth. California State Science Fair, 1610.
68. Yunsheng L., El-Bassiony A.M., Fawzy Z.F., and El-Awadi M.E. 2015. Effect of Foliar Spray of Glutamine on Growth, Yield and Quality of Two Snap Bean Varieties. Journal of Agriculture Science and Engineering 1(2): 39-45.