Effect of Bokashi and Vermicompost Leachate on yield and quality of pepper (Capsicum annuum) and onion (Allium cepa) under monoculture and intercropping cultures

Effect of Bokashi and Vermicompost Leachate on yield and quality of pepper (Capsicum annuum) and onion (Allium cepa) under monoculture and intercropping cultures

2016

E13467

alpha -Tocopherol ( alpha TOC) is a vitamin and antioxidant compound that plays a crucial role in amelioration of biotic and abiotic stresses. It has been found that it improves salt-tolerance in some plant species. Two field experiments were conducted in 2013/14 and 2014/15 to evaluate the potential effects of foliar applications with 0.5 and 1.0 mM alpha TOC on growth, yield, plant water relations, osmoprotectants and the activity of antioxidant system of two onion varieties (i.e., Giza 20 and GizaRed) "classified as salt-sensitive" under saline soil condition (ECe=7.94-8.81 dS m-1). Exogenous application of alpha TOC significantly improved salt stress tolerance in onion plants by reducing the endogenous H2O2 and lipid peroxidation, and increasing enzymatic (i.e., superoxide dismutase, catalase, ascorbate peroxidase, and glutathione reductase) and non-enzymatic (i.e., ascorbic acid and glutathione) antioxidant activity. However, Giza 20 was more sensitive to salinity, while it was more responsive to alpha TOC treatment. Moreover, alpha TOC application significantly affected photosynthesis efficiency and plant water status as evaluated by relative water content and membrane stability index. These results were positively reflected in plant growth, productivity and water use efficiency under salt stress conditions, indicating that alpha TOC may participate in the enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants. Therefore, foliar application of alpha TOC could be used to induce salt-tolerance in onion plants.

10(7):1030-1039, AUSTRALIAN JOURNAL OF CROP SCIENCE

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