Effect of foliar spray with Roselle and Bay leaves extracts on some floral and yield traits of broad bean (Vicia faba L)

Abstract:

A field experiment was conducted on broad bean plants in Al Diwaniyah during the winter of 2024. We aimed to study the effect of applying three different concentrations of Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) extract (0, 5, and 10 g L^-1), and three concentrations of Bay Leaves (Laurus nobilis L.) extract (0, 15 and 30 g L^-¹), besides how these two extracts interact. Three replicates were used in a factorial experiment arranged as a randomized complete block design (RCBD). Plants sprayed with Roselle and Bay leaf extracts showed significant improvements in fruit set, pod numbers, pod yield, overall pod productivity, and seed weight compared to the control group treated with distilled water. At a Roselle concentration of 5 g L^-1, spraying significantly increased fruit set percentage, pod count, pod yield, and total productivity. A Roselle extract concentration of 10 g L^-1 resulted in significant increases in seed weight, with averages of 11.89%, 18.22 pods/plant, 375.9 g/plant, 12.69 tons/dunum, and 2.7089 g noted. Spraying with a bay leaf extract solution at a concentration of 15 g L^-¹ notably enhanced fruit percentage, pod count, pod yield, total productivity value, and seed weight. We observed peak values of 181.22 per plant, 13.11%, and 19.56 pods per plant.428.1 g per plant, 14.46 tons.dunum-1 and 2.7111, respectively, and the interaction of the two experimental factors had a significant effect on all studied traits. In conclusion, both plant extracts influenced bean growth traits and yield.