Author/Authors :
Forghan, Kolsum Department of Horticulture - Rasht Branch - Islamic Azad University , Mahboub Khomami, Ali Faculty Member of Soil and Water Research Department - Guilan Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center - AREEO, Rasht
Abstract :
Zinnia is an annual plant with the long flowering period from late
spring to mid-autumn. It is a popular plant for landscape. In the present
study, the effect of two types of growth promoting bacteria and Azolla
compost on some ornamental characteristics of Zinnia were evaluated in pot
cultivation and greenhouse conditions. The factorial experiment was conducted
in three replications based on a completely randomized design with two
factors, including Azolla compost in 6 levels (0, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 percent)
and growth promoting bacteria in 3 levels (without bacteria, Azospirillum
and Azotobacter bacteria). The results showed that growth promoting bacteria
(Azospirillum and Azotobacter) and Azolla compost had a significant effect
on the investigated factors. Treatment of 50% Azolla compost and Azospirillum
compared to other treatments had higher leaf and root fresh weight, leaf
nitrogen and plant height. Moreover, 10% Azolla compost and Azospirillum
was the best treatment in terms of leaf and root dry matter content. According
to conducted evaluation, Azospirillum with less percentage of compost had a
significant effect on dry weight and Azospirillum with a higher percentage of
compost had a significant effect on fresh weight. Besides, a higher percentage
of compost in Azospirillum in treatment Azospirillum and 50% compost had
a significant effect on leaf nitrogen and height of the stem.
Keywords :
Azolla compost , Azospirillum , Azotobacter , Growth factors
