Sex expression response of spinach as affected by biofertilizer and GA₃ application and its relation to yield, quality and seed production [electronic resource].

Includes reference.

The main objective of this study was to determine the response of sex expression and yield as well as its quality characteristics of spinach, in relation to planting date, biofertilizer and GA₃ treatments. Two field experiments were carried out during 2001/2002 and 2002/2003 winter seasons at the Agricultural Research Station, Faculty of Agriculture, Alexandria University, to investigate the effects of planting date (October and December) and the application of biofertilizer (Halex2) and/or GA₃ spray (25 ppm) as well as their interaction on vegetative growth, sex expression, chemical composition, yield of fresh leaves and its quality and seed production of spinach plant, cv. Saloniky. The obtained results revealed that: 1- Sowing spinach seeds early in October significantly increased plant height. photosynthetic pigments and total sugar contents of leaves and seed yield and its quality, compared with the late planting date (in December). On the other hand, no significant differences were detected in number and area of spinach leaves. nitrogen content and C/N ratio. endogenous phytohormones and yield of fresh leaves and its quality, due to planting date. 2- Inoculation of spinach seeds with biofertilizer was more pronounced for almost studied characters. such as vegetative growth. chemical composition and yield of fresh leaves and its quality. than GA₃ and control treatments. In addition. biofertilizer significantly enhanced both cytokinin and ethylene contents and reduced GA₃ content of leaves.

Summary in Arabic.

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