Morpho-physiological and phytochemical traits of gazania (Gazania rigens) affected by foliar application of bio-stimulants

Abstract

Background: Gazania (Gazania rigens), a member of the Asteraceae family, is an ornamental plant that is cultivated on a large scale in gardens and landscapes. Material and Methods: : This experiment was carried out to evaluate the effects of bio-stimulants compounds on morpho-physiological and phytochemical traits of gazania on the basis of randomized complete blocks designed (RCBD) with three replications. The treatments included biostimulants of aminolforte, kadostim, fosnutren, humiforte (each of them at 2 and 4 L.ha-1), and control treatment (foliar spray with distillated water). Results: The effects of treatments were significant (pN0.01) on all of the traits except for the number of leaves and capitula per plant, and capitula diameter. The maximum amount of the plant height and total dry weight was obtained in the treatment of kadostim at 2 L.ha-1. The largest collar diameter of the stem and total fresh weight was observed in the treatment of aminolforte at 4 L.ha-1. The greatest diameter of the flower and stem was observed in the treatment of aminolforte and fosnutren at 2 L.ha-1, respectively. Also, the highest quantity of SPAD value, chlorophylls a and b, and total chlorophyll, carotenoids, and nitrogen content were related to the foliar application of aminolforte at 4 L.ha-1, but the highest percentage of potassium content was attained in humiforte treatment at 4 L.ha-1. In comparison, the least amount of all traits was observed in control treatment. Conclusions: The findings showed that the foliar applications of bio-stimulants based on bio-active amino acid compounds with a mixture of nutrients have positive effects on the growth, morphophysiological, and phytochemical traits of the gazania.