Effect of different nutritional treatments on the growth of Datura stramonium L.

Aims: Datura stramonium L. is a medicinal plant known for its alkaloid compounds. Limited research has explored the impact of fertilizers like solopotas and fulvic acid on its growth and structural traits. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of these fertilizers on the growth rate and biomass of D. stramonium. Materials & Methods: Solopotas and fulvic acid were applied as foliar sprays at concentrations of 2%, 4%, 6%, and 8%, with five applications at 5-day intervals. Growth parameters such as plant height, leaf length, stem length, root length, leaf number, flower and fruit counts, and shoot weight were measured at maturity and compared with control plants treated with distilled water. Findings: The fertilizer treatments significantly affected leaf traits, flower and fruit numbers, plant height, and shoot weight (p<0.05), but not root length. The 2% fulvic acid treatment resulted in the tallest plants (45.75 cm), compared to 31.25 cm in the control. The 4% fulvic acid treatment had the most leaves (39.5), while the control had the lowest (19). The 2% solopotas treatment produced the longest leaves (14.15 cm), while the 8% solopotas had the shortest (8.17 cm). The 2% fulvic acid also resulted in the heaviest shoots (13.5 g), compared to 3.5 g in the control. Conclusion: Application of 2% fulvic acid and 2% solopotas significantly improved growth and biomass of D. stramonium, particularly in plant height, leaf number, and leaf length. These findings suggest these fertilizers can enhance the commercial potential of D. stramonium.

Effect of different nutritional treatments on the growth of Datura stramonium L. Keywords:

Solopotas and Fulvic Acid Fertilizer , Biomass , Medicinal plant , Structural Traits.