chicory, biological active substances, growth analysis, leaf area index, inulin
Abstract
In this study were evaluated both the growth and yield potentials of three chicory (Cichorium intybus var. sativum) varieties ('Fredonia Nova', 'Oesia' a 'Maurane') growing in natural agro-ecological conditions from 2006 to 2008. Regulation of the crop productivity by foliar application of biologically active substances (Atonik, Polybor 150, and Biafit Gold) was also studied. Evaluation of growth-production performance of chicory was realized as: leaf area index (LAI), photosynthetic potential (LAD), net assimilation rate (NAR), crop rate growth (CGR), relative growth rate (RGR), harvest index (HI), root yield and inulin content in root. During threeyears of experimental seasons, the highest average yield of chicory roots was observed in variety 'Fredonia Nova' (value 2.08 kg m-2), with average LAI reached on value 1.88 and average NAR on value 2.15 g m-2 d-1. The highest average HI was observed in variety 'Oesia' (64.0 %) and the lowest in variety 'Maurane' (57.3 %). The highest average inulin root content reached variety 'Fredonia Nova' up to value 205.9 mg g-1 dry weight. In this study we discussed in detail observed interaction between individual growth-production characteristics. Finally we observed that application of biologically active substances (BAS) is an important tool for optimalization of growthproduction potential in chicory plant. Our results showed that application of BAS (and mainly of Atonik) in all the varieties and experimental years significantly increased the growth-production performance and modified source – sink relationships.
