Amaranthus tricolor L. leaf yields affected by salinity, harvesting stage and harvesting methods
| dc.contributor.author | Ribeiro J.E.M.M. | |
| dc.contributor.author | Combrink N.J.J. | |
| dc.date.accessioned | 2011-05-15T15:55:02Z | |
| dc.date.available | 2011-05-15T15:55:02Z | |
| dc.date.issued | 2006 | |
| dc.description.abstract | Single Amaranthus tricolor seedlings were transplanted into containers filled with 5 I river sand and were fertigated with a 'drain to waste' system. Plants were grown in the open under warm summer conditions. Four to six daily applications of nutrient solutions at electrical conductivity (EC) levels of 1, 2, 4 and 8 mS cm-1 were made. In a first study, two harvesting stages were used and plants were uprooted 30 and 45 days after transplanting (DAT). In a second study, two cutting heights were used at three stages. Leaves and side-shoots as well as leaf calcium and protein contents were monitored. Interactions between EC levels and harvesting stages affected most of the parameters. The optimum EC level for a high shoot: root ratio was 4 mS cm-1 30 DAT compared to 8 mS cm-1 45 DAT, Indicating that the plants adapted in time to saline conditions. The highest leaf mass was recorded at 4 mS cm-1 for both cutting heights but at 8 mS cm-1, the 25% cutting height produced significantly better yields than the more severe (50%) cutting height, illustrating that this crop can adapt to saline conditions, especially with a less severe (25%) harvesting procedure. Increased EC levels increased leaf protein content, thus increasing the value of this hardy leaf crop. | |
| dc.description.version | Article | |
| dc.identifier.citation | South African Journal of Plant and Soil | |
| dc.identifier.citation | 23 | |
| dc.identifier.citation | 1 | |
| dc.identifier.issn | 2571862 | |
| dc.identifier.uri | http://hdl.handle.net/10019.1/9540 | |
| dc.subject | agricultural practice | |
| dc.subject | crop yield | |
| dc.subject | harvesting | |
| dc.subject | salinity | |
| dc.subject | Amaranthus | |
| dc.subject | Amaranthus tricolor | |
| dc.title | Amaranthus tricolor L. leaf yields affected by salinity, harvesting stage and harvesting methods | |
| dc.type | Article |