Effect of Biofertilizers, Algae extract and Brassinolide on growth character of Apricot trees

Abstract

This study was conducted in private apricot orchard in In Sab al Boor city in Baghdad during 2013 /2014 growing seasons to investigate the influence of fertilizer and spray with plant growth regulators Brassinolide and seaweed extract (Marine Fert) on 7 years old trees of “Zanjelli” apricot cultivar. The first factor is five types of fertilizers (B); with out application (B1), application 15 gm.tree-1 of biofertilizer (Phosphorene) (B2), application 15 gm.tree-1 of biofertilizer (Nitrobeine) (B3), application 15 gm.tree-1 of both (Phosphorene + Nitrobeine) (B4) and application on compound fertilizer NPK with recommended quantity in apricot trees (B5). And the second factor is foliar application with seaweed extract (Marine Fert) with three levels, spray with water only (control) (M0), 2,5 ml.L-1 (M2,5) and 5 ml.L-1 (M5) . The third factor is foliar application with plant growth regulator Brassinolide with three levels, spray with water only (control) (Bl0), 1,5 ppm (Bl1,5) and 3 ppm (Bl3). Each treatment replicated three times with a factorial experiment using RCBD. The number of trees used was 135 trees. The experimental results showed third interactions between study factors had a significant effect in in most of the vegetative growth specially B5Bl3M5 its gave the higher in most vegetative growth characteristics.