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Effects of natural plant growth regulator iron chlorin on photosynthesis, yield, and quality of watermelons grown in greenhouses

Author

Listed:
  • Qian Feng

    (Institute of Protected Agriculture, Academy of Agricultural Planning and Engineering, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, P. R. China)

  • Lu Lu

    (College of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, P. R. China)

  • Qingyun Li

    (College of Horticulture, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, P. R. China)

  • Liu Wang

    (Institute of Protected Agriculture, Academy of Agricultural Planning and Engineering, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, P. R. China)

  • Qingyu Pei

    (Institute of Protected Agriculture, Academy of Agricultural Planning and Engineering, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, P. R. China)

  • Shoujiang Pan

    (Institute of Protected Agriculture, Academy of Agricultural Planning and Engineering, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, P. R. China)

  • Jing Tian

    (Institute of Protected Agriculture, Academy of Agricultural Planning and Engineering, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, P. R. China)

  • Shaowei Lu

    (Institute of Protected Agriculture, Academy of Agricultural Planning and Engineering, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, P. R. China)

  • Shao Li

    (Institute of Protected Agriculture, Academy of Agricultural Planning and Engineering, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, P. R. China)

Abstract

Iron chlorin is known to affect plant growth, but its potential applications in watermelon production have rarely been explored. To better understand its effects on the growth, photosynthesis, yield, and quality of watermelon in a greenhouse setting, a series of experiments were conducted using the variety 'Sumeng 6'. At the flowering and early fruit expansion stages, the plants were sprayed with iron chlorin with mass concentrations of 0.001, 0.002, 0.004, and 0.008 μg/L (T1, T2, T3, and T4). Control plants were sprayed with water (CK). The growth index, root activity, photosynthetic pigment content, photosynthetic parameters, yield, and fruit quality of all plants were measured. The results showed: compared with CK, the T3-treated plants showed significant improvements in several aspects: the leaf contents of photosynthetic pigments, chlorophyll a, total chlorophyll, and carotenoid, increased by 19.51%, 14.29%, and 29.17%, respectively (P < 0.05); the net photosynthetic rate (Pn) increased by 23.60% (P < 0.05); and the soluble solids content, vitamin C content, and yield increased by 7.89%, 34.13%, and 16.27%, respectively (P < 0.05). In summary, it was found that spraying 0.004 μg/L iron chlorin on facility watermelon plants at the flowering and the early fruit expansion stages has a significant effect on the promotion of growth and development, leading to improved quality and yield. This study provides a theoretical reference and technical guide for high-quality and efficient watermelon production.

Suggested Citation

  • Qian Feng & Lu Lu & Qingyun Li & Liu Wang & Qingyu Pei & Shoujiang Pan & Jing Tian & Shaowei Lu & Shao Li, 2024. "Effects of natural plant growth regulator iron chlorin on photosynthesis, yield, and quality of watermelons grown in greenhouses," Horticultural Science, Czech Academy of Agricultural Sciences, vol. 51(4), pages 341-347.
  • Handle: RePEc:caa:jnlhor:v:51:y:2024:i:4:id:132-2023-hortsci
    DOI: 10.17221/132/2023-HORTSCI
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