Foliar Application with Plant-Derived Extracts Enhances Growth, Physiological Parameters, and Yield of Potatoes (Solanum tuberosum L.)

Abstract

The current reliance on pesticides and synthetic fertilizers has been vital to sustain and even increase agricultural production. The continuous, excessive use of these traditional practices has negatively affected consumers’ health and burdened ecosystems. The use of plant extracts has the ability to improve plant growth and agricultural productivity. This study was, therefore, conducted to determine the effects of foliar plant extract application on potato growth, as well as on certain physiological and yield attributes. The treatments included extracts of the seaweed Ascophyllum nodosum, aloe vera leaves, garlic bulbs and moringa leaves. From four weeks after planting onwards, five healthy, equal-sized potato plants received 50 mL of the above-mentioned plant extracts as foliar applications. These treatments were repeated weekly until harvesting. Data on growth and physiological parameters were collected weekly. Pre-harvest foliar application of various plant extracts significantly enhanced (p ≤ 0.05) the plant growth and yield attributes of the potatoes. The best growth and yield responses were observed following ANE and MLE applications. A positive influence of various foliar plant extract applications on the growth and yield of potatoes was demonstrated. Further validation of the response of other crops is still necessary to promote the adoption of this approach.

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