Key Takeaways:
- Foliar application of Acacia saligna fruit aqueous extract (FAE) enhances coriander growth, productivity, and phytochemical levels.
- The study examines the effects of different concentrations of A. saligna FAE and reduced nitrogen (N) fertilizer on coriander plants.
- Optimal results were observed with a 4% A. saligna FAE application, enhancing essential oil composition, phenolic and flavonoid content, and antioxidant activity.
- Higher concentrations (6% A. saligna FAE) did not significantly improve, possibly due to allelopathic effects.
- The study suggests A. saligna FAE as a potential biostimulant to improve agricultural sustainability by reducing N fertilizer usage.
Study Overview
In the quest for sustainable agriculture practices, using natural extracts as biostimulants presents a promising avenue for enhancing plant growth and stress resilience. Alkharpotly et al. (2024) conducted a detailed field study to investigate the effects of Acacia saligna fruit aqueous extract (FAE) on coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) cultivation. By combining various concentrations of A. saligna FAE with half the recommended dose of nitrogen (N) fertilizer, the research aimed to evaluate the potential of this natural extract in increasing production and optimizing nutrient and water uptake.
Methodology and Results
The study employed a randomized complete block design over two successive seasons, comparing the impacts of A. saligna FAE (at 2%, 4%, and 6% concentrations) combined with 50% recommended N fertilizer dosage against a control treatment using 100% N fertilizer. Phytochemical analyses revealed significant enhancements in total solid content, carbohydrates, proteins, phenols, antioxidant activity, and chlorophyll levels in plants treated with 4% A. saligna FAE + 50% N fertilizer. However, the 6% FAE concentration did not yield significant growth improvements, which can be attributed to potential allelopathic effects.
Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) and High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) analyses of essential oils and flavonoid components showed varied compositions based on the treatment, indicating that A. saligna FAE influences the phytochemical profile of coriander plants.
Implications and Future Directions
The findings suggest that a 4% concentration of A. saligna FAE, when used in conjunction with reduced N fertilizer, can significantly improve coriander plants’ growth and phytochemical content. This approach not only enhances the nutritional and medicinal value of the crop but also contributes to more sustainable agricultural practices by reducing chemical fertilizer dependency.
The study underscores the need for further research to explore the effectiveness of A. saligna FAE across different concentrations, conditions, and crop species, opening new pathways for developing natural biostimulants in agriculture.
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