Evaluation the Effect of Water Hyacinth and Humic Acid Compost on some Morphophysiological and Biochemical Properties of Gerbera (Gerbera jamesonii Bolus. cv. Artist)

علوم باغبانی

Article 11, Volume 34, Issue 2 - Serial Number 46, September 2020, Pages 335-347   

Document Type: Research Article

DOI: 10.22067/jhorts4.v34i2.87001

Authors

Fatemeh Ghorbanalizade¹; Mahnaz Karimi^{* 1}; Kamran Ghasemi¹; Mehrnaz Hatami²

¹Department of Horticultural Sciences, Sari Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources University

²Department of Medicinal Plants, Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Arak University, Arak

Abstract

Introduction: Water hyacinth (Eichornia crassipes) is one of the world’s most prevalent invasive aquatic plants. Due to the environmental and economic concerns associated with the water hyacinth spread, control of this plant seems will be necessary. Composting is promising techniques for controlling water hyacinth. Humic acid is the fraction of naturally occurring organic materials, which derive from the decomposition of plant and animal residues. Humic acid plays important roles in plants through stimulation of root growth and increase of water and nutrient uptake by plants. In this study, we evaluated the effect of water hyacinth compost and humic acid on the vegetative and reproductive characteristics of gerbera flowers
Materials and Methods: The present study was conducted as a factorial experiment in a completely randomized design with three replications. The first factor was water hyacinth compost (0, 25, 50, 75 and 100% v/v) and the second factor was humic acid (0, 250 and 500 mg L-1). The peat moss + perlite (2:1 v/v) was considered as a control treatment. To prepare water hyacinth compost, the water hyacinth was collected from a river in Sari, Mazandaran, Iran. Water hyacinth leaves were exposed to direct sunlight for eight hours to wither then chopped to fine pieces and eventually was spread on the surface. The thickness of leaves is five-centimeter. One centimeter thickness of animal manure was added on top of the water hyacinth leaves and then a layer of ash and lime respectively added. This step was repeated until the height of the layer reached to one meter, finally the top layer was covered with dry leaves of native trees and black polyethylene sheets. The mass was mixed up every 15 days to get a better result (uniform decomposition). Finally, after three months, the compost was prepared. Gerbera (cv. Artist) seedlings with uniform size (15 cm) were planted in plastic pots at different levels of compost. Humic acid was used once every ten days. The average day and night temperature in the greenhouse during the experiment was 17±2 and 23±2ºC, respectively, and the average greenhouse humidity was 65 to 75%. Flowering time, number of flowers, number of leaves, stem length, flower stem diameter, flower disk diameter, fresh and dry weight of shoots and roots, phenol content, total chlorophyll and carotenoids, concentrations of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and calcium in the leaves, ion leakage of petals and vase life were evaluated.
Result and Discussion: According to the results of the effect of compost, humic acid and their interaction on most of the studied characteristics were significant. The highest number of flowers with 117% increase compared to the control treatment was related to 50% compost + 500 mg L-1 humic acid. In this treatment, the time of flower emergence occurred 40 days earlier than the control. The highest chlorophyll content with 155.52% increase compared to control was observed in 25% compost + 500% humic acid. Mineral elements in the leaf of the Gerbera plant were significantly affected by growth media and humic acid. The highest nitrogen content was found in 50% compost + 500 mg L-1 humic acid (a 50% increase compared to control). The highest potassium content was observed in 50% compost + 250 mg L-1 humic acid. The highest concentrations of calcium were found in the leaves of plants grown in 50% compost + 500 mg L-1 humic acid. The highest vase life with a 71.67% increase compared to the control treatment was related to plants that were grown in 25% or 50% compost+ 500 mg L-1 humic acid. The lowest ion leakage was recorded in 50% compost + 500% humic acid with 56.79% decrease compared to the control. In the present study, most of the growth media and humic acid significantly affected most of the Gerbera plant parameters. The best results were obtained from 25% and 50% compost +250, 500 mg L-1 humic acid. Due to proper drainage, increased water retention, a pseudo hormonal compound such as auxin and increased absorption of elements, compost improve the chemical and physical structure of growing media. Also, high leaf nitrogen content was observed in most compost-containing substrates. This element plays a key role in vegetative growth. The concentration of nitrogen and phosphorus in compost is usually 5 to 11 times higher than soil which is gradually delivered to the plant and increases the growth and flowering of the plant. Humic acid plays important roles in plants through stimulation of root growth and increase of water and nutrient uptake by plants. In our study the application of humic acid at 250 and 500 mg L-1 significantly increased concentration of nitrogen, phosphorus, calcium and potassium as compared with control. It has also been reported that humic acid provides growth regulators to regulate and control hormone levels in plants and stimulates the production of plant enzymes and hormones, which ultimately increases the vegetative and reproductive growth of the plant.
Conclusion: The results of this study showed that water hyacinth compost with humic acid due to improving the root environment and increasing the absorption of nutrients, increased quantitative, qualitative and vase life characteristics of Gerbera in comparison with control (peat + perlite). 50% compost was introduced as the best treatment in combination with concentrations of 250 and 500 mg L-1 of humic acid.

Keywords

Flowering time; elements; Growth media; Vase life

References

1- Abedini T., Moradi P., Hani A. 2015. Effect of organic fertilizer and foliar application of humic acid on some quantitative and qualitative yield of pot marigold. Journal of Novel Applied Sciences, 4(10):1100-1103.

2- Alidoust M., Mohammadi Torkashvand A., Mahboub Khomami A. 2012. The effect of growth medium of peanut shells compost and nutrient solution on the growth of Dracaena. Annals of Biological Research, 3 (2):789-794.

3- Amiri H., Ismaili A., and Hosseinzadeh S.R. 2017. Influence of vermicompost fertilizer and water deficit stress on morpho-physiological features of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L. cv. karaj). Compost Science and Utilization, 25(3): 152-165.

4- Arnon A.N. 1967. Method of extraction of chlorophyll in the plants. Agronomy Journal, 23:112-121.

5- Asri F., Demirtas E., and Ari N. 2015. Changes in fruit yield, quality and nutrient concentrations in response to soil humic acid applications in processing tomato. Bulgarian Journal of Agricultural Science, 21(3): 585-591.

6- Atiyeh R.M., Arancon N.Q., Edwards C.A., and Metzger J.D. 2002. The influence of earth-worm-processed pig manure on the growth and productivity of marigold. Bioresource and Technology, 81: 103-108.

7- Caballero R.P., Pajuelo J., Ordovas E., Carmona C., and Delgado A. 2009. Evaluation and correction of nutrient availability to Gerbera jamesonii H. Bolus in various compost-based growing media. Scientia Horticulturae, 122 (2): 244-250.

8- Chapman H.D., and Pratt P.F. 1961. Method of analysis for soils, plants and waters. University of California. Division of agricultureal Sciences.

9- Chauhan R.V., Varu D.K., Kava K. P., and Savaliya V. M. 2014. Effect of different media on growth, flowering and cut flower yield of gerbera under protected condition. The Asian Journal of Horticulture, 9 (1): 228-231.

10- Chen Y., and Aviad T. 1990. Effect of Humic Substamces on plant Growth. In: Humic Substances in Soil and Crop Sciences: Selected Reading, MacCarthy, P., C.E. Clapp, R.L. Malcolm and P.R Bloom (Eds). Soil Science Society America, Madison, Wisconsin, USA, 161-186.

11- Chukwuka K.S., and Omotayo O.E. 2008. Effects of tithonia green manure and water hyacinth compost application on nutrient depleted soil in South-Western Nigeria. International Journal of Soil Science, 3(2): 69–7.

12- Dann P.R., Derrick J.W., Dumaresq D.C., and Ryan M.H.1996.The Response of Organic and Conventionally Grown Wheat to Superphosphate and Reactive Phosphate Rock. Australian Journal of Experimental Agriculture, 36:71-78.

13- Edwards C.A., Burrows I.1988. The potential of earthworm composts as plant growth media in Neuhauser,C.A.(Ed.) , Erthworms in Environmental and Waste Management. SPB Academic Publishing, The Hague,the Netherlands, 211-220.

14- Edwards S., Asmelash A., Araya H., Berhan T., Egziabher G. 2007. Impact of compost use on crop yields in Tigray, Ethiopia, 2000-2006 inclusive. FAO, Rome.

15- Elhavirdi Zadeh N., and Nazari Deljo M.J. 2014. Effect of humic acid on the effect of humic acid on morphophysiological indices, nutrient uptake and longevity after harvest of perennial cut flowers (Calendula officinalis). Crysantha in hydroponic system. Science and Techniques of Greenhouse Cultivation. 5 (18): 133-142. (In Persian)

16- Elmongy M.S., Zhou H., Cao Y., Liu B., and Xia Y. 2018. The effect of humic acid on endogenous hormone levels and antioxidant enzyme activity during in vitro rooting of evergreen azalea. Scientia Horticulturae, 227:234-243.

17- Erkossa T., Stahr K., and Tabor G. 2002. egration of organic and inorganic fertilizer Inteffect on vegetable productivity. Ethiopian Agricultural Research Organization, DebreZeit Agricultural Research Centre, Ethiopia, 82:247-256.

18- Eshghi S., and Garazhian M. 2015. Improving growth, yield and fruit quality of strawberry by foliar and soil drench applications of humic acid. Iran Agricultural Research, 34 (1): 14- 20.

19- Esirngu A., Sezen I., Aytatli B., Ercisli S. 2015. Effect of humic and fulvic acid application on growth parameters in Impatiens walleriana L. Akademik Ziraat Dergisi, 4(1):37-42.

20- Ferrara G., Pacifico A., Simeone P., and Ferrara E. 2008. Preliminary study on the effects of foliar applications of humic acids on ‘Italia’ table grape. Journal International des Sciences de la Vigne et du Vin, 42: 79-87.

21- Gajalakshmi S., and Abbasi S.A. 2002. Effect of the application of water hyacinth compost/vermicomposton the growth and flowering of Crossandra undulaefolia and on several vegetables, Bioresource Technology, 85:197–199.

22- Ghasemi A., Tavakalo M.R., and Zabihi H.R. 2012. Effect of nitrogen, potassium and humic acid on vegetative growth, nitrogen and potassium uptake of potato minituber in greenhouse condition. Journal of Agriculture and Plants Breeding, 8(1): 39-56. (In Persian)

23- Ghazan Shahi J. 2006. Soil and plant analysis. Translator motarjem, pp. 311.

24- Ghorbanli M., Saadatmand L., and Niakan M. 2011. Study the effects of natural habitats on flavonoids poly phenols, anthocyanin and their related antioxidant activity in Elaeagnus agustifolia. The first congress on advanced Agricultural finding, Islamic Azad University Saveh, Iran. (In Persian)

25- Haghighi M., Nikbakht A., Ping XiaY., Pessarakli M.2014. Influence of Humic Acid in Diluted Nutrient Solution on Growth, Nutrient Efficiency and Postharvest Attributes of Gerbera.Communications in Soil Science and Plant Analysis, 45(2):177-188.

26- Hidlago P.R., Matta F.B., and Harkess R.L. 2006. Physical and chemical properties of substrates containing earthworm castings and effects on marigold growth. Horticultural Science, 4(1): 1474-1476.

27- Hossain Z., Kurihara H., and Takahashi K. 2003. Biochemical composition and lipid compositional properties of the brown alga Sargassum horneri.Pakistan Journal of Biological Sciences, 6(17): 1497-1500.

28- Hu Z., Haneklaus S., Sparovek G., and Schnug E. 2006. Rare earth elements in soils. Journal Communications in Soil Science and Plant Analysis, 37(9):1381-1420.

29- John Elgar H., Woolf A.B., and Bieleski R.L.1999. Ethylene production by three lily species and their responseto ethylene exposure. Postharvest Biology and Technology, 1 (6):257–267.

30- Jones, C.A., Jacobsen, J.S., and Mugaas, A. 2004. Effect of humic acid on phosphorus availability and spring wheat yield. Fact Fertilizer 32.

31- Kafel M.R., Kafel G., Balla M.K., and Dhakal L. 2009. Results of experiment of preparing compost from invasive water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) in rupa lake areanepal. Journal of Wetlands Ecology, 2: 17-19.

32- Kanwar J.K., and Kumar S. 2008. In vitro propagation of gerbera- A review. Horticultural Science, 35:35-44.

33- Mackowiak C.L., Grossl P.R., and Bugbee B.G. 2001. Beneficial effects of humic acid on micronutrient availability to wheat. Soil Science Society of America Journal,65: 174-1750.

34- Malik K.A., Bhattin A., and Kauser F. 1979. Effect of soil salinity on the decomposition and humification of organic matter by cellulolytic fungi. Mycologia, 719: 811-820.

35- McDonald S, Prenzler PD, Autolovich M, Robards K .2001.Phenolic content and antioxidant activity of olive extracts. Food Chemistry, 73:73-84.

36- Mirzaei N., Jabbarzadeh Z., Rasouli Sadaghiani M.2019. Investigation of Some Morphological and Biochemical Characteristics and Vase Life of Gerbera jamesonii cv. Dune Cut Flower Using Humic Acid and Nano Calcium Chelate. Iranian Journal of Horticultural Science and Technology, 20(2): 157-170.

37- Munns R., and Tester M.(2008). Mechanisms of salinity tolerance. Annual Review of Plant Biology, 59: 651-681.

38- Nardi S., D. Pizzeghello C. Gessa., L. Ferrarese., L. Trainotti, and G. Casadoro. 2000. A low molecular weight humic fraction on nitrate uptake and protein synthesis in maize seedlings. Soil Biology and Biochemistry, 32: 415–419.

39- Nazari Deljou M., Pour Youssef Karamian M., and Jaberian Hamedani H. 2012. Effect of cultivar on water relations and postharvest quality of gerbera (Gerbera jamesonii Bolus ex. Hook f.) cut flower. World Applied Sciences Journal,18(5):698-703.

40- Nikbakht A., Kafi M., Babalar M., Xia Y.P., Luo A., and Etemadi N.A. 2008. Effect of humic acid on p growth, nutrient uptake, and postharvest life of Gerbera. Journal of Plant Nutrition, 31: 2155-21267.

41- Norian N., Rohollahi I., Karimi M.2018. Evaluation of Organic Fertilizer from Water Hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) as substrate for Lilium sp. Iranian Journal of Horticultural Science and Technology, 19(3):267-276. (in Persian with English abstract)

42- Osoro N., Muoma J.O., Amoding A., Mukaminega D., Muthini M., Ombori O., and Maingi M.2014.effect of water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) compost on growth and yield parameters of maize.British Journal of Applied Science & Technology, 4(4): 617-633.

43- Padem H., ocal A., Alan R. 1999. Effect of humic acid added foliar fertilizer on quality and nutrient content of eggplant and pepper seedlings ISHS Acta Horticulturae. 491.

44- Paul S., and Bhattacharya S. 2012.vermicomposted water hyacinth growth and yield of marigold by improving nutrient availability in soils of north bank assam. Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology, 2(1):1-11.

45- Phuong M., Nguyen E.M., and Niemeyer K.E.D. 2010. Potassium rate alters the antioxidant capacity and phenolic concentration of basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) leaves. Food Chemistry, 123: 1235–1241.

46- Prasad R., Singh J., and Kalamdhad A.S. 2013 .Assessment of nutrients and stability parameters during composting of water hyacinth mixed with cattle manure and sawdust. Research Journal of Chemical Sciences, 3(4): 1–4.

47- Samavat S., and Malakuti M. 2005. The Necessity of Using Organic Acid Humic and Folic to the Iincrease Thr Quality and Quantity of Agricultural Productes, Technical publication Tehran the Senate, 463p.[In Persian]

48- SeyedbagheriMir-M.1999.Evaluationofcompostonorganic crops presented at State organic grower’s Annual Meeting Mountain Home.

49- Shabani T., Peyvast G.H., and Olfati J. 2011. Effect of different substrates on quantitative and qualitative traits of three pepper cultivars in soilless culture. Journal Science and Technology of Greenhouse Culture, 2: 11–21.

50- Shadanpour F., Mohammadi Torkashvand A., Hashemi Majd K.2011. The effect of cow manure vermicompost as the planting medium on the growth of Marigold Annals of Biological Research, 2 (6):109-115.

51- Shahsavan Markadeh M., Chamani E. 2014. Effects of various concentrations and time of humic acid application on quantitative and qualitative characteristics of cut stock flower (Matthiola incana ‘Hanza’). Journal of Science and Technology of Greenhouse Culture Soilless Culture Research Center, 5(3): 157-171.

52- Sharaf A.I., and El-Naggar A.H. 2003. Response of Carnation plant to phosphorus and boron foliar fertilization under greenhouse conditions. Alexandria Journal of Agricultural Sciences,48 (1): 147-158.

53- Sridevi S., Prabu M., and Tamilselvi N.G. 2016. Bioconversion of Water Hyacinth into Enriched Vermicompost and its Effect on Growth and Yield of Peanuts. International Journal of Currrent Microbiology and Applied Sciences, 5(9): 675-681.

54- Stoffella P.J., and Kahn B.A. 2001. Compost Utilization in Horticultural Cropping Systems, Lewis Publishers, Florida, 442 pp.

55- Torre S., Borochov A., and Halevy A. H. 1999. Calcium regulation of senescence in roses. Physiology of Plant, 107:214-219.

56- Twongo T., and Balirwa J.S. 1995. The water hyacinth problem and the biological control option in the highland lake region of the upper Nile basin Uganda’s experience. The Nile 2002 conference, 1-15pp., Arusha, Tanzania.

57- Vidya S., and Girish L. 2014. Water hyacinth as a green manure for organic farming. International Journal of Natural and Social Sciences, 2: 65–72.

58- Zaghloul R.A., Mohamed Y.F.Y., Rasha M., El-Meihy. 2016. Influential Cooperation between Zeolite and PGPR on Yield and Antimicrobial Activity of Thyme Essential Oil. International Journal of Plant & Soil Science, 13(1): 1 –18.

59- Zeinali A., and Moradi P. 2015. The effects of humic acid and ammonium sulfate foliar spraying and their interaction effects on the qualitative and quantitative yield of native garlic (Allium sativum L). Journal of Applied Environmental and Biological Sciences, 4 (12): 205-211.

60- Zhang Y., Guo W., Chen S., Han L., and Li Z. 2007. The role of N- lauroylethanolamine in the regulation of senescence of cut carnations (Dianthus caryophyllus). Journal of Plant Physiology, 164: 993-1.