The effect of combined application of organic, chemical and biological fertilizers on yield and quality of seedless barberry (Berberis vulgaris cv. Asperma)

To investigate the effects of chemical, organic and biological fertilizers application on the quantitative and qualitative characteristics of seedless barberry (Berberis vulgaris cv. Asperma) an experiment was conducted as split plot randomized complete block design with three replications in commercial garden in Qaen during 2016. Main-treatments comprised four application type of fertilizer (1-no fertilizer application as main control, and application of 2-Chemical fertilizer; 70 kg ha-1 urea, 52.5 kg ha-1 triple super phosphate, 77 kg ha-1 potassium sulfate), 3-organic fertilizer; 3500 kg ha-1 cow dung and 4-50% of chemical along with 50% of organic fertilizer; 1750 kg ha-1 cow dung, 35 kg ha-1 urea, 26.25 kg ha-1 triple super phosphate, 37.5 kg ha-1 potassium sulfate). Sub-treatments were 1-no fertilizer as sub control, application of 2-Phosphate Barvar-2; 700 g ha-1, 3-humic acid; 4 kg ha-1, and Phosphate Barvar-2 + humic acid; 700 g ha-1 + 4 kg ha-1. The main and sub-treatments had significant effect on most traits. The highest vitamin C content, berries pH, and dry yield of berries belonged to 50% application of chemical and organic along with Phosphate Barvar2 + humic acid. The highest amount of chlorophyll a, total chlorophyll and leaf carotenoid, carbohydrate, fruit soluble solids content, fruit maturity index and carbohydrate to total acidity ratio were observed in plants treated with organic fertilizer along with Phosphate Barvare2+humic acid. Plants treated with 50% (manure + chemical fertilizer) along with humic acid had the highest leaf chlorophyll b and berries protein. Chemical fertilizer treatment along with Phosphate Barvar2 had the highest acidity of berries. These findings suggested that plants treated with 50% (organic + chemical fertilizer) along with Phosphate Barvar2+humic acid and organic fertilizer along with Phosphate Barvar2+humic acid had the highest positive effect on yield and berries quality, respectively.