نوع مقاله : مقاله پژوهشی
عنوان مقاله English
نویسندگان English
This study investigated the effects of nano-iron chelate foliar application, including concentration and timing, on the morpho-physiological characteristics of Damask rose (Rosa damascena), genotype A104. A two-year factorial experiment was conducted in a randomized complete block design on a two-year-old Damask rose farm. The experimental factors comprised five concentrations of nano-iron chelate (0, 0.5, 1, 1.5, and 2 g/l) and three application times (0, 10, and 20 days after the onset of the growing season), with three replications for each treatment combination.
Results indicated that all evaluated morphological and physiological traits generally improved with increasing nano-iron chelate concentration. Notably, the maximum leaf width, as well as wet and dry leaf weight, were observed at an iron concentration of 1.5 g/l applied on the 20th day post-initiation of the growing season. The greatest increase in flowering stem height was achieved with a 2 g/l iron concentration applied on the 20th day. Flower number was highest at 1.5 g/l nano-iron chelate on the 20th day, showing no significant difference from the 2 g/l concentration applied on the same day. Anthocyanin content increased with iron concentration up to 1.5 g/l, after which it slightly decreased at 2 g/l. A significant increase in carotenoid content was observed across all application timings compared to control plants. Furthermore, the highest concentrations of iron, nitrogen, magnesium, phosphorus, and potassium in the leaves were recorded on the 20th day post-initiation of growth in plants treated with 2 g/l nano-iron chelate.
Based on these findings, foliar spraying of Damask rose with 1.5 g/l nano-iron chelate, twenty days after the start of seasonal growth, is recommended for optimal enhancement of morpho-physiological characteristics.
کلیدواژهها English
Extended Abstract
Introduction
The Damascene Rose (Rosa damascena), a significant member of the Rosaceae family, is widely cultivated globally for its prized aromatic essential oil and diverse genotypic variations. Nutrient deficiency, particularly micronutrients, is a primary constraint on yield and oil quality. In Iran, the increasing prevalence of alkaline soils exacerbates micronutrient deficiencies, with iron being a critical element for plant growth. Iron is indispensable for vital metabolic processes, including pigment synthesis, chloroplast development, nitrogen assimilation, and enzymatic functions. Iron deficiency negatively impacts vegetative growth and flowering in roses. Conversely, excessive iron can lead to the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and subsequent oxidative stress, manifesting as growth inhibition and toxicity symptoms. Therefore, optimizing nutrient concentrations, including iron, is crucial for healthy plant development. This study investigated the effects of varying nano-iron chelate concentrations and application timings on key morpho-physiological traits of Damascene Rose.
Materials and Methods
This research employed a factorial randomized complete block design with three replications, conducted on a two-year-old Damascene Rose farm in Pachet village, Mazandaran province. The experimental factors were: (1) foliar application of nano-iron chelate at five concentrations (0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 g/L), and (2) application timing at three intervals (0, 10, and 20 days post-initiation of plant growth). Foliar spraying was performed in three distinct stages with 10-day intervals. Distilled water served as the control. Each experimental plot comprised 15 plants. Uniformity of the bushes was maintained through pruning prior to bud break. Morphological and physiological traits, including flower number, inflorescence length, leaf width, leaf fresh and dry weight, anthocyanin content, chlorophyll, total phenolic compounds, and the concentrations of iron (Fe), nitrogen (N), calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), and magnesium (Mg) in the leaves, were assessed one week after the final foliar application.
Results and Discussion
The findings indicated that increasing iron concentration generally enhanced all evaluated morphological and physiological traits, as well as nutrient element concentrations in the leaves. Optimal leaf width and leaf fresh and dry weight were recorded at an iron concentration of 1.5 g/L applied on the 20th day post-growth initiation. The most substantial increase in flowering stem height was observed with a 2.0 g/L iron application on the 20th day. The highest flower count was associated with the 1.5 g/L nano-iron chelate treatment on the 20th day, showing no significant difference from the 2.0 g/L treatment on the same day. Anthocyanin content increased with iron concentration up to 1.5 g/L, with a subsequent decrease at 2.0 g/L. Carotenoid content significantly increased in plants treated with nano-iron chelate across all application timings compared to the control. The highest concentrations of Fe, N, Mg, P, and K in the leaves were observed on the 20th day of the experiment with a 2.0 g/L nano-iron chelate spray.
The observed improvements in morphological traits following iron foliar application are attributed to increased chlorophyll content, which consequently enhances photosynthetic efficiency and overall plant growth. Previous studies suggest that elevated iron levels in leaves stimulate peroxidase and catalase enzyme activity, leading to increased assimilate production and improved plant development. Furthermore, relative water content increased with nano-iron chelate concentrations up to 1.5 g/L across all spraying days, potentially due to enhanced osmotic potential and soluble carbohydrate content within the plant cells.
Conclusion
Based on the results, it is recommended to apply nano-iron chelate to Damascene Rose plants, particularly at a concentration of 1.5 g/L, approximately twenty days after the onset of growth, to optimize morpho-physiological characteristics.
Author Contributions
M.K. conceptualized the study and designed the methodology. A.R.A. performed the experiments and conducted the research. M. K. and H.M. supervised the execution of the study. M.K. and A.R.A. wrote the manuscript. All three authors reviewed, edited, and approved the final version of the manuscript.
Data Availability Statement
The authors declare that all the data supporting the findings of this research are available within the article.
Acknowledgements
The authors would like to thank Sari Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources University, Iran for the support of this research.
Ethical considerations
The authors avoided data fabrication, falsification, plagiarism, and misconduct.
Conflict of interest
The author declares no conflict of interest.
