Growth traits, physiological parameters and hormonal status of snap bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) sprayed with garlic cloves extract

Abstract

ABSTRACTGarlic extract has been established to enhance the growth and yield of some plant crops, but little is known about its content of phytohormones. A field study was carried out, in two growing seasons, to evaluate the performance of snap bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) cv. ‘Paulista’ in terms of growth traits, biochemical parameters, hormonal status and yield characteristics in response to two-time foliar spray at 30 and 45 days after sowing with three concentrations (1:40, 1:20 and 1:10) of garlic cloves extract (GCE). The experiment was designed in completely randomized blocks in a factorial arrangement with three replicates. The hormonal analysis indicated that GCE contains high levels of various phytohormones particularly salicylates, auxins, and gibberellins. Plant height, leaf area, leaves number, plant weight, flowers number and leaf and pod chemical compositions were significantly enhanced in response to GCE. The high dose of GCE caused the maximum increase in number of pods, pod fresh weight as well as the total pod yield. This stimulating effect of GCE may be due not only to its nutritional factors but also to its richness of phytohormones and phenolic compounds, and it can be further used as a plant growth promoter (PGP).