VARIATIONS IN PRODUCTIVITY OF (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) IN RESPONSE TO SOME AGRICULTURAL

SUPPLEMENTATIONS

[55]

Nabila¹ Y. Naguib  and  M.S. Aly¹  

ABSTRACT

Experimental field investigations were conducted during two seasons (1998 and 1999) to evaluate the effect of chicken manure either solely or in combination with microelements ( Fe, Mn and Zn ) on Hibiscus sabdariffa L., plant production and chemical constituents of sepals. All treatments enhanced plant height, number of branches and fruits, the mass production of the plants, fresh and dry weights of sepals per plant and thus per feddan significantly. Nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium were increased in sepals in response to all levels of fertilization, but potassium showed the minimum increase. Sepals microelements content (Fe, Mn and Zn) was similar to control. Increment of anthocyanin content was observed in plants treated with the combination of chicken manure at 12 t /fed and 75 ppm. of used mixture of microelements during the two seasons (1.95 % and 1.99 %),  respectively. The acidity values were reduced with all applied treatments, the greatest decrement was noticed with the combined dose of high levels of chicken manure and high  concentration of mixture of elements. Total and soluble carbohydrates in sepals responded positively to  all of applied treatments, the greatest value of both was observed with combined treatment of chicken manure 12 t /fed. and 75 ppm. of mixtures of elements during the two seasons. Ascorbic acid was slightly increased in response to all treatments.