Abstract
Broccoli is a popular vegetable throughout the world and contains important nutritional features. This study was conducted to evaluate the effect the fertilization with different phosphorus sources (i.e., soil application of rock phosphate (RP) at 428 kg ha−1, calcium superphosphate (CSP) at 670 kg ha−1, phosphoric acid (PA) at 126 L ha−1 and monoammonium phosphate (MAP) at 334 kg ha−1) combined with biofertilizers (i.e., inoculation with phosphorin or mycorrhiza) on plant growth aspects, antioxidants enzyme activity, chemical constituents, yield and quality of broccoli leaves and heads (Brassica oleracea var. italica Plenck). The experiment was performed according to the randomized complete block design with three replications (n = 3), for two growing seasons (2018–2019) at the experimental farm of Benha University, Egypt. The obtained results showed that the highest values of plant height, leaf area, fresh and dry weight of leaves/plant, head weight and diameter, and the highest yield of heads ha−1 were recorded in plants that received MAP fertilizer and were inoculated with mycorrhiza. On the other hand, the highest value of head length, total carbohydrate and total soluble solids (TSS) content were observed in plants fertilized with PA and inoculated with mycorrhiza. The highest leaf nitrogen % and head ascorbic acid content, as well as the lowest head total phenol content were recorded in plants supplemented with MAP fertilizer and inoculated with mycorrhiza. Moreover, broccoli plants fertilized with PA and inoculated with mycorrhiza showed promising results in terms of phosphorus, potassium and total carbohydrate content, antioxidant activity and dehydrogenase activity. In conclusion, phosphorus may affect plant growth, yield and chemical parameters in broccoli plants depending on the fertilizer source, while inoculation with mycorrhiza may also have a beneficial impact on these parameters.
Highlights
Broccoli (Brassica oleracea. var italic Plenck) is widely consumed throughout the world due to its high nutritional value
The phosphorus fertilization treatments were as follows: (a) calcium superphosphate (16% P2 O5 ) at 670 kg ha−1, which is equivalent to the recommended dose of mineral P (108 kg ha−1 ); (b) rock phosphate (25% P2 O5 ) was used as a phosphatic source at 428 kg ha−1, which is equivalent to the recommended dose of mineral P; (c) phosphoric acid (85% P2 O5 ) at 126 L ha−1, which is equivalent to the recommended dose of mineral
For factor B, data indicted that biofertilizer application showed signficant effect on most of the parameters during both seasons except for total phenol and ascorbic acid concentration during 2018 and 2019 seasons
Summary
Broccoli (Brassica oleracea. var italic Plenck) is widely consumed throughout the world due to its high nutritional value (e.g., a rich source of vitamins A, B2 , C, minerals [1,2], fibers and low number of calories [3]). Var italic Plenck) is widely consumed throughout the world due to its high nutritional value (e.g., a rich source of vitamins A, B2 , C, minerals [1,2], fibers and low number of calories [3]) It is highly appreciated for its health beneficial properties due to its high content in antioxidants and bioactive compounds such as αtocopherol, β carotene and isothiocyanates [4]. Phosphorus is considered a key nutrient in different physiological and biochemical processes [10] and its addition may improve yield parameters [11,12] It activates nucleic acids and phospholipids formation, induces the metabolism of carbon and promotes enzyme activities [13,14]. P is usually applied in high amounts, plants may only absorb it in small amounts, while it could become unavailable for plants’ uptake [16] due to its conversion into fixed components with soil colloidal particles in soil of either acidic or alkaline pH [17]
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