The Growth and Yield Responses of Amaranthus dubius to Tithonia diversifolia (Hemsley) A. Gray Leaf Extract.

Сажетак

ithonia diversifolia (Hemsley) A. Gray, commonly known as the Mexican sunflower, is an invasive species of flowering plant in the Asteraceae (Compositae) family. This study aimed to investigate the potential of T. diversifolia leaf extract (TDLE) on the growth, yield and quality of Amaranthus dubius. The experiment was led in a Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications. The plant height, leaf area, biomass accumulation, and yield-related traits such as leaf yield and nutrient content were assessed. The total fresh and edible yields per plant were 18.48 and 15.44%, respectively, higher than the control. The proximate compositions of the plants were significantly affected by spraying with aqueous extract from the leaves. The mineral contents of the plant were significantly higher than the control's (P<005). The total moisture content (8.20%), protein (15.71%), and carbohydrate (36.48%) were significantly increased after spraying the plants with tithonia extract. The results of this study suggest that the aqueous extract of the leaves of the slender amaranth increases the growth and improves the quality of the crop of plants. However, further investigation is required as TDLE has been reported to process inhibitory allelopathic substances.