Effect of some cultural practices on the growth and chemical contents of hedera elix var. variegata: II- effect of nitrogen fertilizanon and GA₃ spraying [electronic resource].

Includes references.

The effects of N fertilization rates and GA3 spraying on the growth and chemical composition of Hedera helix var. variegata (ivy) were studied in pot experiments during two successive seasons (2002 and 2003). For this purpose, rooted cuttings ofthe plant were planted in 25 cm pots filled with peatmoss : vermiculite mixture (l:1 :v/v). Developed plants were left to grow under seran house with 60% shading and supplied with 0, 1,2 and 4 g/pot of ammonium nitrate (33.5% N) and sprayed with 0,125 and 250 ppm of GA₃ in twelve combinations. The obtained results showed that N application at 4 g/pot or GA₃ at 250 ppm alone, significantly increased the different plant growth parameters, as well as, N,P,K% and chlorophyll content with insignificant increase in total carotenoids content compared with the control. The highest level of ammonium nitrate (4 g/pot) as combined with GA₃ at 250 ppm had the most significant effects on increasing plant height, number of vines/plant, plant leaf area and produced the largest fresh and dry weights/plant, as well as, N,P,K, chlorophyll a,b and total chlorophyll contents. The interaction ofN at 2 g/pot and GA3 at 250 ppm gave the highest values of the total number of leaves/plant, as well as, fresh and dry weight of roots/plant. All treatments insignificantly increased the total carotenoids content in plant leaves compared with the control. Conclusively, this study recommend the use of ammonium nitrate at 4 g/pot combined with GA₃ at 250 ppm for Hedera helix production, which gave the best results.

Summary in Arabic.

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