Thesis (MTech (Horticultural Sciences)--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2012 / This study evaluated the effects of different combinations of Hoagland’s solution and
Azolla filiculoides on Beta vulgaris subsp. cycla ‘FORDHOOK GIANT’ grown in
different hydroponic nutrient solutions. These solutions were comprised of a full
Hoagland’s solution and a Hoagland’s solution minus nitrogen solution and
amalgamations of these with Azolla respectively. The objectives were to assess the
effects of different combinations of Hoagland’s solution and A. filiculoides on uptake
of nitrogen and other nutrients, photosynthesis, chlorophyll content, growth and
development in B. vulgaris grown in hydroponic cultures. The treatments were made
up of 1) Hoagland’s minus N solution (as the control), 2) A. filiculoides plus
Hoagland’s minus N solution, 3) A. filiculoides plus a full Hoagland’s solution and 4)
full Hoagland’s solution. Each treatment was replicated 4 times. Nutrient uptake was
measured at 4 and 8 weeks into the experiment. Photosynthesis was measured by
analysing the photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, intercellular CO2
concentration and the evapotranspiration rate of B. vulgaris on a weekly basis.
Chlorophyll content was determined by analysing the samples at 4 and 8 weeks.
Growth and development was determined by measuring plant height, leaf number,
leaf colour, fresh weight and dry weight. Plant height, leaf number and leaf colour on
a biweekly intervals, while fresh and dry weight were analysed at 4 and 8 weeks into
the experiment.
In this study, the most favourable results were attained by the full Hoagland’s
solution. This treatment produced plants with the highest nutrient uptake,
photosynthesis, chlorophyll content and best growth and development. Preceding
this was the Azolla plus full Hoagland’s solution, followed by the Azolla plus
Hoagland’s minus nitrogen solution. The poorest results were noted in the control
(Hoagland’s minus nitrogen solution) as all the tested parameters in this treatment
were the lowest.
In this study, Azolla plus Hoagland's minus N solution treatment produced significant
growth in B. vulgaris. Although nitrogen was not applied in this treatment, there was
improved nitrogen content in B. vulgaris organs. It is postulated that, probably, Azolla
released the fixed nitrogen in its surrounding environment making it available to B.
vulgaris hence improving N uptake and growth. This implies that there was a synergistic effect from Azolla–Anabaena symbiosis. More studies to understand the
mechanisms involved in improving the plant growth are recommended.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:netd.ac.za/oai:union.ndltd.org:cput/oai:localhost:20.500.11838/844 |
| Date | January 2012 |
| Creators | De Bever, Alan |
| Contributors | Venter, E., Mrs |
| Publisher | Cape Peninsula University of Technology |
| Source Sets | South African National ETD Portal |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
| Rights | http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/za/ |
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