Abstract

The greenhouse experiments were carried out to study the effects foliar application of L-cysteine, L-methionine and Aminoacid fertilizer (AA) on Broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica) transplants. L-cysteine, L-methionine and AA was applied at three concentrations, 0, 100 and 200 mg L-1 commencing from 20 days after the sowing. Physical and chemical properties of the transplants determined according to the methods described by Tabatabaee. Results showed that L-cysteine at concentrations of 100 and 200 mg L-1 increased the leaf area by 53% and 48%, while methionine and the amino-acid-bearing fertilizer, both at 200 mg L-1, increased the leaf area by 59% and 48% respectively. These percentages are expressed in comparison to the control. L-cysteine at concentrations of 100 and 200 mg L-1 increased the fresh weight of shoots by 50% and 55%, respectively, while methionine at 100 and 200 mg L-1 increased the fresh weight of shoots by 55% and 60% respectively. The amino-acid-bearing fertilizer treatments at a concentration of 200 mg L-1 increased the shoot dry weight of Broccoli seedlings by 38%, L-cysteine at concentrations of 100 and 200 mg L-1 increased the root dry weight by 26% and 60%, methionine at 100 and 200 mg L-1 increased the root dry weight by 31% and 177%. The results showed that methionine at 200 mg L-1 increased chlorophyll by 61%. The amino-acid-bearing fertilizer at a concentration of 200 mg L-1 managed to increase the length of transplants by 30%, compared to the control. Methionine at 100 and 200 mg.L-1 increased the amount of nitrogen in transplanted Broccoli by 36% and 38%.

Keywords: Broccoli transplant; Chlorophyll; Fertilizer; L-cysteine; L-methionine; Nitrogen