Effect of gamma irradiation and sulphur fertilizer on growth and chemical composition of hibiscus sabdariffa L

ABSTRACT

Field experiments were carried out during two successive seasons to investigate the effect of gamma irradiation and sulphur fertilization on growth and chemical composition of Hibiscus sabdariffa L. The results showed that sulphur application stimulated plant height, branches number as well as yield components. The maximum values of these characters were obtained as a result of 250 kg S/fed. On the other hand, sulphur treatments increased fixed oil content, anthocyanin content and flavones yield. Concerning the effect of irradiation treatments, it could be concluded that these treatments increased both plant height and branches number. Also, exposed seeds to 1 krad enhanced fruits fresh weight. Generally, most of irradiation treatments increased chemical constituents content of sepals, except pH and TSS%, which had no clear trend. Interaction treatments between irradiation and sulphur application gave in most cases a pronounced effect on vegetative growth and chemical constituents of roselle plants