Amaranthus tricolor L. leaf yields affected by salinity, harvesting stage and harvesting methods
Date
2006
Authors
Ribeiro J.E.M.M.
Combrink N.J.J.
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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.
Description
Keywords
agricultural practice, crop yield, harvesting, salinity, Amaranthus, Amaranthus tricolor
Citation
South African Journal of Plant and Soil
23
1
23
1