Effect of spraying with different concentrations of licorice extract and plant densities in growth and yield of Sorghum bicolor L.

Abstract

A field experiment was carried out at the Fields of Field Crops Department-College of Agriculture-University of Anbar, Alternative site (Abu-Ghraib), during the spring season, and the second experiment at the fields of Azraqia in Saqlawiya during the fall season of 2017. To study the effect of four levels of licorice extract (Glycyrrhiza glabra L.) 0, 2, 4 and 6 g l-1, sprayed on the vegetative part and three plant densities (53333, 66666 and 88888 plant h-1) for sorghum Rabih cv. Split plots arrangement was used within randomized complete block design (R.C.B.D), and with three replicates. Spraying concentrations of licorice extract occupied the main plots, while plant densities fill the subplots. Results showed the following: 1. Results of statistical analysis showed a significant effect of 88,888 plants h-1 plant density in most of the studied traits. The increase in plant density showed an increase in leaf area index (3.697, 3,200 cm2) and biological yield (29.54 and 30.60 t h-1) for both growing seasons, respectively. Also, it increased plant height (66.411 cm) in the spring season and harvest index (37.76%) in the autumn season. However, it reduced stem diameter and grains number, protein and weight of 500 grain (11,879 and 11.935 grain). 2. Results showed that there were significant differences in the different spray concentrations of licorice. A concentration of 2 g l-1 had the highest mean of leaf area index (3.74), leaf area (5587),Biological Product (36.36, 38.81) and grain yield (9.78t h-1) . II 3. As for the interaction, plant density of 88888 and licorice concentrations of 4 gl-1 significantly affected most of the studied traits. Means for grain yield were of (%10.33 , 10.31), wheth licorice concentrations of 6 gl-1 leaf area index (3.91), wheth licorice concentrations of 2 gl-1 the number of pill (2664, 2643) grain header. Plant density of 53.333 and licorice concentration of 6 g l-1 affected most of traits as it gave the highest mean of, protein percentage (10.020 and 10.033%) ,the licorice concentration of 4 g l-1 and the same plant density affected the biological yield (36.36 and 38.81 t h-1) for both seasons. Licorice concentration of 2 g l-1 days to 75% flowering (78.33 and 74.33 days) for both seasons licorice concentration of 2 g l-1 affected for plant height (146.90 cm).