effect of gamma radiation and manganese application on growth and chemical constituents of datura metel L

ABSTRACT

The present work was conducted during two successive seasons to study the combined effect of irradiation with Mn on the growth and chemical components of Datura metel. Manganese treatment had no pronounced effect on growth characters, photosynthetic pigments and most of the nutrient elements. On the other hand, Mn treatment at 50 ppm increased alkaloid content and yield in the leaves. Irradiation treatments, especially the lower doses, had stimulatory effect on plant height and leaves number/plant. Medium doses of gamma irradiation combined with manganese treatment improved the accumulation of total alkaloid content, photosynthetic pigments, and some nutrients content, such as nitrogen, phosphorus, iron and copper