Effect of the interaction between seaweed extract and calyx tea biostimulants on the growth and flowering of Geranium plant

• Neven A. Abdullah*1, Zenalabden A. Handl2

  Author

  This study investigated whether the interaction effect of seaweed extract (SWE) and calyx tea (CT) improves in growth, flowering, and nutrient status of Geranium plant Pelargonium zonale more than either biostimulant alone. A pot experiment was conducted in the wooden canopy of the Department of Horticulture and Landscape Design, College of Agriculture, University of Basrah, during the 2023-2024growing season. The experiment followed a completely randomized design with 3x 3 factorial arrangement: SWE at 0, 2 and 4 g L⁻¹ and CT at 0, 2 and 4 g L⁻¹, with ten replicates per. SWE was applied as a foliar spray, while CT was applied as fertigation weekly for two months. Vegetative traits (plant height, leaf number, branch number) and floral traits (flower number) were measured separately, along with chlorophyll, carotenoid, leaf water relations, and leaf N, P, and K concentrations.  The combined treatment SWE 4 g L⁻¹ + CT 4 g L⁻¹ significantly increased plant height (21.3%), leaf number (46.7%), branch number (177.8%), and flower number (63.2%) compared with the control. Chlorophyll content increased by 157.5%, and dry matter increased by 27.4%. potassium increased by 89.0% under the same treatment. Factorial analysis showed significant main effect of SWE and CT and a significant interaction for most traits. The combined application outperformed individual treatments. offering a practical and environmentally friendly strategy for improving ornamental plant quality and reducing reliance on synthetic fertilizers.

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