Physiological response of marjoram plants to biofertilizer and organic fertilization [electronic resource].

Includes references.

Two pot experiments were carried out during two successive seasons 2000 and 2001 to investigate the effect of organic fertilizer (Biogreen) at three rates; 5, 10 and 15 m3/fed. with or without biofertilizer inoculation (namely; Azobacter crococcum; Azospirillum brasilense and Bacillus polymyxa) in comparison with the recommended dose of NPK (control) on growth, yield and chemical composition of marjoram plants. Data obtained clearly revealed that plants treated with the highest level of compost (15 m3 / fed.) either alone or inoculated with mixture of biofertilizers recorded a considerable increments with regard to growth characters, macronutrients, phytohormones; (IAA, GA3, and CK) and essential oil components; ( ?-terpineol, ?-terpenolene, Linalool, Geraniol, Cineole, Linalyl acetate and Citronellol). In addition, the significant increases were 15.8, 19.9 and 14.4% for herb fresh weight (g/plant) and 19.8, 16.9 and 14.7% for herb dry weight (g/plant) in first, second and third cuttings, respectively, as well as essential oil percentage (25 % ,26% and 28 % in the three cuttings, respectively ) and oil yield/plant ( 44 %, 52% and 47 % in the three cuttings, respectively ) in fresh herb at the highest compost level as compared to the control treatment. Also marjoram plants which received the highest level of compost in combination with biofertilizer mixture significantly surpassed the control plants in herb fresh weight (g/plant) by 22.1 29.1 and 32.1% and herb dry weight (g/plant) by 25, 32.6 and 40% in first, second and third cuts, respectively, as well as the essential oil percentage by 38%, 38 % and 40% in the three cuttings, respectively and oil yield per plant by 69 %, 79% and 91 % in the three cuttings, respectively. On the other hand, the present data disclosed that nearly the same marjoram fresh and dry weight (g/plant) as well as essential oil percentage and oil yield per plant of the control plant could be obtained if marjoram plants received the lowest and moderate rates of compost fertilizer alone or combined with biofertilizers mixture. These findings clearly indicate that organic fertilizers (Biogreen) and biofertilizers mixture could replace the application of mineral fertilizers and consequently minimize the pollution of the agricultural environment.

Summary in Arabic.

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