The Response of Ficus carica Seedlings to Foliar Spraying with α-Tocopherol and Organic Fertilization with SMC

Abstract

A study was conducted to investigate the effect of α-Tocopherol and levels of organic fertilization with spent mushroom compost (SMC) on some vegetative growth traits of two-year-old fig seedlings (Black Diala variety) planted in 30 cm diameter plastic pots at the Research Station of the College of Agricultural Engineering Sciences - University of Baghdad during the 2023 growing season. The experiment included foliar spraying with α-Tocopherol at four concentrations (0, 100, 200, 300 mg L-1), and fertilizing seedlings with three levels of spent mushroom compost (0, 1, 2 kg per seedling). The experiment was designed using a randomized complete block design with three replications. The results showed a significant increase in all studied traits. Foliar spraying with α-Tocopherol at 300 mg L-1 concentration had significant increases in NPK elements, chlorophyll content, leaf number, leaf area, carbohydrates, and phenolic content in leaves. Meanwhile, seedlings fertilized with SMC at a ratio of 2:1 showed superiority significant in the mentioned traits.