Phosphorus and Biofertilizer Application Effects on Growth Parameters, Yield and Chemical Constituents of Broccoli

Abstract

Broccoli is a popular vegetable throughout the world and contains important nutritional features. This study was conducted to evaluate the effect the fertilization with different phosphorus sources (i.e., soil application of rock phosphate (RP) at 428 kg ha−1, calcium superphosphate (CSP) at 670 kg ha−1, phosphoric acid (PA) at 126 L ha−1 and monoammonium phosphate (MAP) at 334 kg ha−1) combined with biofertilizers (i.e., inoculation with phosphorin or mycorrhiza) on plant growth aspects, antioxidants enzyme activity, chemical constituents, yield and quality of broccoli leaves and heads (Brassica oleracea var. italica Plenck). The experiment was performed according to the randomized complete block design with three replications (n = 3), for two growing seasons (2018–2019) at the experimental farm of Benha University, Egypt. The obtained results showed that the highest values of plant height, leaf area, fresh and dry weight of leaves/plant, head weight and diameter, and the highest yield of heads ha−1 were recorded in plants that received MAP fertilizer and were inoculated with mycorrhiza. On the other hand, the highest value of head length, total carbohydrate and total soluble solids (TSS) content were observed in plants fertilized with PA and inoculated with mycorrhiza. The highest leaf nitrogen % and head ascorbic acid content, as well as the lowest head total phenol content were recorded in plants supplemented with MAP fertilizer and inoculated with mycorrhiza. Moreover, broccoli plants fertilized with PA and inoculated with mycorrhiza showed promising results in terms of phosphorus, potassium and total carbohydrate content, antioxidant activity and dehydrogenase activity. In conclusion, phosphorus may affect plant growth, yield and chemical parameters in broccoli plants depending on the fertilizer source, while inoculation with mycorrhiza may also have a beneficial impact on these parameters.

Identification and Characterization of Beneficial Soil Microbial Strains for the Formulation of Biofertilizers Based on Native Plant Growth-Promoting Microorganisms Isolated from Northern Mexico

“…Individual application also generated significant increases, but as previously mentioned, it is advisable to apply them as consortia to take advantage of their complementary effect and ensure their survival when applied in the field [ 9 , 11 , 33 ]. Other reports have also revealed significant improvements in the vegetative growth of broccoli and radish when using biofertilizers, similar to those obtained in these experiments [ 34 , 35 , 36 ]. Agustiyani et al [ 34 ] isolated fifteen bacterial isolates and performed in vitro screening for several PGP activities.…”

Endophytic Bacillus vallismortis and Bacillus tequilensis bacteria isolated from medicinal plants enhance phosphorus acquisition and fortify Brassica napus L. vegetative growth and metabolic content

“…Moreover, Hawkesford et al (2012) and Youssef et al (2017) documented that phosphorus enhances the number and mass of roots, the formation of lateral roots, and the root/shoot ratio of plants. As a result, the soil's ability to absorb nutrients is improved, which in turn promotes plant growth, total chlorophyll, total carbohydrates, and carbon metabolism (Mohamed et al, 2021).…”

Effect of Foliar Application of NPK and Amino Acid on the Growth and Yield-Related Traits of Broccoli (Brassica Oleracea Var. Italica)

“…It is crucial in the processes of energy transfer and storage in plants, contributing to metabolism and root transport. It also affects root growth and the formation of DNA and other nucleic acids, directly affecting plant development and production (Mohamed et al, 2021). Similarly, potassium is a vital nutrient for plants, as it has multiple contributing roles.…”