Effect of different control applications on Cuscuta campestris, and biochemical content of eggplant

Abstract

The current study was undertaken to stimulate the physiological resistance and active compounds in eggplant to prevent the development of Cuscuta campestris (Dodder), to reduce its spread in field and also detection of selective herbicide to control it with minimum damage to eggplant fields in Iraq. A field experiment was conducted in Al-Qizuina, province of Najaf during the 2017 growing season to achieve the above aim. Treatments (herbicide and nutrients) were arranged within randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replicates. The results showed significant differences among treatments when boric acid gave the greatest leaf content of carbohydrates, phosphorus, boron, total chlorophyll, and growth-promoting hormones (IAA and GA3) in eggplant, fruit content of ascorbic acid and total soluble compounds. However, the Na2SiO3 resulted in higher leaf content of silicon and salicylic acid while urea treatment gave greater nitrogen and protein in the crop. Similarly, treatments of calcium chloride (CaCl2) and K2SO4 were higher in calcium and potassium, respectively. The growth inhibitor hormones (ABA) were greater in the mechanical control treatment, while the total phenols were very high in the sulfosulfuron treatment. Based on the GC–MS analysis of herbicide residues, sulfosulfuron concentration was below the level of detection in the eggplants fruits confirming their safety for human consumption. Using sulfosulfuron with plant nutrients together can enhance resistance in eggplant against C. campestris.