The effects of different levels of vermicompost on growth and development of Dracaena marginata

ABSTRACT: The present research was conducted to evaluate the changes induced by the different levels of vermicompost on various aspects of growth and development in Dracaena marginata, an important ornamental plant, and determine the best economical concentrations to improve plant growth and development. Vermicompost were used at five levels including 0%, 25%, 50%, 75% and 100%. In comparison to the control samples, the increased amounts of parameters related to the growth and development including leaf fresh and dry mass and area, as well as plant height in vermicompost treated plants indicated that the application of different levels of the used vermicompost had stimulating effects on growth and development of Dracaena marginata. However, the highest applied levels of vermicompost, 100%, did not have desirable improving effects and fewer levels were more effective. Also the application of vermicompost influenced cellular metabolism as it was shown by the modified activities of peroxidase, polyphenol oxidase and phenylalanine ammonia lyase enzymes in vermicompost treated plants. Our results indicate that the application of high levels of vermicompost neither is not only economic but also may have adverse effects on plant growth and development.