Effect of Spraying with Licorice Root Extract and Green Tea on the Vegetative Growth Traits of Strawberry Seedlings (Fragaria x ananassa Duch.) Cultivar (Festival)

• Manar Ismael Alwan, Zainab Turky AL-Taee' Noora Hade Najm Alabojamal SHAHAD ALI SAIB, Roaa Hadi Ali and Samaa jaafeir Kadhim

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This research was carried out in the greenhouse of the College of Agriculture, Al-Qasim Green Fields. The duration of the study was one complete growing season during 2025–2026. The objective was to assess the influence of foliar applications of extracts from licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra L.) root and green tea on the vegetative growth performance of strawberry seedlings that were being raised in 3-kg plastic bags. The experiment was laid out in a factorial arrangement within a randomized complete block design. The treatments consisted of two sets of factors: the first factor was licorice root extract at 0, 3, and 5 g L⁻¹, and the second factor was green tea extract at 0, 4, and 6 g L⁻¹. Growth responses included parameters such as plant height, stem diameter, number of branches, number of leaves, number of runners, and chlorophyll content of leaves. Data obtained for all parameters indicated that foliar spray of both organic extracts enhanced the vegetative growth characteristics in comparison with the control. The highest values for all traits were generally obtained from plants treated with 5 g L⁻¹ of licorice extract and 6 g L⁻¹ of green tea extract, indicating the positive role of these biostimulants in promoting growth and vigor of strawberry seedlings under greenhouse conditions.

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