Response of Almond Seedlings to Foliar Spray with Indole-3-butyric acid (IBA), Benzyl amino purine (BAP) and Seaweed Extract (SE) under Nubaria Region Conditions

Abstract

The experiment was carried out on one-year-old almond seedlings (Prunus amygdalus L.) cv. Nonpareil budded on Nemagaurd peach rootstock during experimental seasons 2023 and 2024 at a private orchard in Nubaria, El Behera governorate, Egypt. To examine the effects of foliar spray with different doses of indole-3-butyric acid (IBA), benzyl amino purine (BAP), and seaweed extract (SE) on growth and leaf nutrient status of seedlings. Under a randomized complete block design, there were ten treatments: T1-Control (water only), T2-IBA 5 ppm, T3-IBA 10 ppm, T4-IBA 15 ppm, T5- BAP 20 ppm, T6-BAP 40 ppm, T7-BAP 60 ppm, T8-SE 10 ml/L, T9-SE 15 ml/L, and T10-SE 20 ml/L each replicate consisted of five seedlings. The results reveal that all treatments significantly increased the parameters of vegetative growth; seedling height, stem diameter, number of leaves/seedlings, leaf area, fresh and dry weight of leaves, and total chlorophyll content of almond seedlings compared to untreated seedlings (control). This enhancing effect was further enhanced at
lower doses of IBA and at higher doses of BAP and SE. This effect was positively reflected on total leaf carbohydrates as well as both macro- and micronutrients. Therefore, it can be concluded from the experimental results that foliar spraying with 5 ppm of indole-3-butyric acid, 60 ppm of benzyl amino purine, and 20 ml/L of seaweed extract is an effective method for enhancing vegetative growth and mineral content in almond seedling leaves.