EFFECT OF SPRAYING THREE PLANT EXTRACTS ON THE GROWTH, YIELD OF POTATO IRRIGATED WITH WATER SALINE

Abstract

The experiments were carried out in the field of Department of Horticulture, College of Agriculture, Abu- Ghraib, Baghdad, during the spring season of 2004 which potato tubers (Solanum tuberosum L. cv. Desivee) Class Elite were used.The experiment aimed to reducing the water salinity stress by spraying three plant extracts separately,those are Karkade (Hibiscus sabdariffa), Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus), and liquorice root (Glycerrhiza glabra). Treatments of the experiment included two levels of water salinity, 2,7 dSm-1 the treatments in the experiment Split – Plot Design with three replicates, the water salinity levels were Main Plots, while the concentration of each extract were Sub-Plots, Means were compared according to L.S.D. test at 5% significant level. Results could be summarized as follows: - 1-Irrigation with 2 dSm-1 water and spraying with liquorice root extract at 2.5g/l increased number of shoots, and leaf area to (4.10, 19.78 dcm²) respectively. 2-The irrigation with 2 dSm-1 water and spraying Okra extract (2g/l) gave a highest carbohydrate percentage in leaves to 3.83%. 3-Proline accumulation decreased due to irrigation with 2 dSm-1 salinity water and spraying with Karkade extract (5g/l) to (3.13 mml/gm).While Water potential leaves tissues increased (because less negative) to(-18.00) when plants were irrigated with 2dSm-1 water salinity and sprayed with Okra extracts and liquorice root extracts for both of them. 4-The irrigation with 2 dSm-1 water and spraying Okra extract (1g/l) or with Karkade extract (2.5g/l) increased the percentage of tube dry matter (16.89, 16.88 %), respectively.5-Irrigation with 2 dSm-1 water and spraying with liquorice root extract (2.5g/l) increased starch to (10.68%).6-Specific gravity increased to (1.065 %) when irrigation with 2 dSm-1 water and spraying with Karkade extract (2.5g/l).7-The treatment of irrigation with 2 dSm-1 water and spraying with Karkade extract (2.5g/l) gives a highest individual plant yield to (0.94 kg/plant).In conclusion, spraying with Karkade could be increase plant quality yield, while liquorice root extract can be use to increase plant vegetative growth. Also Okra extract can be used in balancing water potential of tissues and increased carbohydrate percentage in leaves.