Quantitative and qualitative performance of Froriepia subpinnata as affected by mycorrhizal symbiosis, compost tea, and vermicompost

This research involved in and coordinated multidisciplinary and complementary natural resources in the area of sustainable soil and plant nutrient management as well as economic benefits of edible herb production systems. The main concern was selection of the right growing media to achieve optimum yield and growth rate while avoiding application of synthetic fertilizers.Froriepia subpinnata is a medicinal and edible endemic vegetable which grows naturally in the north of Iran. In order to evaluate the effect of compost tea, vermicompost, and mycorrhizal symbiosis on morphophysiological traits of Froriepia subpinnata, a factorial experiment was conducted in Sari, Mazandaran based on randomized complete block design with four replications. The factors included Glomus moseae at two levels (inoculated and non-inoculated), vermicompost at two levels (without application and application at 2 tons/ ha), and compost tea at two levels (no application and application at 1.5 liter/ ha). Results showed that the impact of dual interactions of vermicompost and mycorrhizal symbiosis were significant on the length and diameter of flowering stems, flower diameter, leaf width, and plant fresh weight at p< 0.01. The triple interactions of the factors on leaf area, plant dry weight, and essential oil yield were significant at p< 0/01. The highest plant dry weight (0.81 g/plant) and the highest essential oil content % 0.82 were observed with application of vermicompost and mycorrhizal symbiosis.