Effect of Spraying with Seaweed Extract on Growth and Yield of Two Varieties of Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted in agricultural field in Al-Rumaitha, district 25 km north of Al-Muthanna city, during the agricultural season 2017/2018. The aim was to study the effect of spray of seaweed extract at 0, 1 and 2 g.l-1 on growth and yield of two varieties of wheat (Bhooth 22 and Eebaa 99). The experiment was applied according to split plot design with three replicates. The results showed that the increasing of the concentration of seaweed extract up to 2 g L-1 in spray solution led to increase some growth properties (plant height, leaf chlorophyll concentration, flag leaf area and spike length). In addition seaweed extract up to 2 g.l-1 lead to increase the number of spikes/m2, grain yield, and biological yield gave 31.85%, 39.05% and 39.79% respectively compared to the control treatment, while the concentration of seaweed extract up to 1 g.l-1 lead to increased 1 the number of grains per spike. The results revealed a difference in between the varieties in almost growth and reproductive traits. Bhooth 22 has the highest plant height, leaf chlorophyll concentration, spike length, and number of spikes/ m2, grain yield (5979 kg ha-1) and total biomass yield was and the highest biomass (13571 kg ha-1). The interaction between spraying of seaweed extract and varieties explained a significant effect on leaf chlorophyll concertation and biomass yield.