Foliar Application of Marmarin on Antioxidant Activity and Storage Time of Garden Cress (Lepidium sativum L.)
Summary
Two separate experiments were conducted to study the effects of algae extract ('Marmarin') foliar application on growth potential and storage life of garden cress. In the first experiment, the effect of 'Marmarin' foliar application on growth characteristics (leaf length and width, petiole length, leaves number, roots dry weight, root length and leaves dry weight) was determined. The results showed the positive effects of foliar spray on roots and leaves dry weight, root length, leaves number and petiole length. In the second experiment, the impact of foliar application of 'Marmarin' on harvested plants was assayed. The results showed significant effect of foliar spray treatment and storage time on chlorophyll b, total soluble solids and chlorotic leaves number. The highest total soluble solids were obtained by foliar application of 5 ml L-1 algae extract at harvest and at 4 days after storage, as well as with 10 ml L-1 foliar application at harvest time. Foliar application treatment with 10 mg L-1 at harvest and four days after storage had significant effects on chlorophyll b content. The highest chlorotic leaves number was determined without foliar application at 12 days after storage. Chlorophyll a, anthocyanin and total phenolics content were independently affected by foliar application and storage time. The highest amount of chlorophyll a was attained by foliar application of 5 and 10 ml L-1. The highest amount of anthocyanin and total phenolics was determined at application of 5, 10 and 15 ml L-1, and 10, 15 and 20 ml L-1, respectively. The highest content of anthocyanin was determined at the harvest. Also, the highest contents of total phenolics and chlorophyll a were determined at the harvest and were statistically equal with amount determined at 4 days after harvest.
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