The effects of chitosan applications on the yield and quality in rocket (Eruca sativa)

The present study was aimed to reveal the effects of chitosan application on yield, quality and plant nutrients in rocket cultivation. Bengi rocket variety was used as plant material and chitosan was applied at 4 different doses (0-75-150-300 ppm) on leaves. The results revealed that yield values varied between 1690.6-1913.9 g/m2, plant height between 24.33-27.92 cm and leaf width between 4.56-5.71 cm among the applications; the highest values were obtained from 75 ppm chitosan application. According to the applications, the total dry matter, chlorophyll, total phenolics, vitamin C and antiradical activity values were determined between; 7.71-8.68%, 34.15-36.68 SPAD 104.67-180.84 mg/100 g, 126.63-143.51 mg/100 g and 63.77-71.87%, respectively. Total dry matter and chlorophyll values were highest in 75 ppm chitosan application. The highest total phenolic and antiradical activity values were obtained 300 ppm application and vitamin C values were obtained from the control application. a* and h° values varied between -17.87 - -18.71 and 124.09-125.78, and the highest values were obtained in 75 ppm chitosan application. Chitosan applications decreased nitrate accumulation compared to the control application and the lowest nitrate accumulation was obtained from 75 ppm chitosan dose. P, Ca, Mg, Cu and Fe values in rocket leaves were found between 0.44-0.52%, 3.37-5.55%, 0.25-0.29%, 8.0-17.0 mg/kg and 262-336 mg/kg as a result of different doses of chitosan applications, It was determined that 75 ppm application of chitosan dose used in the study were better in terms of yield, plant height, leaf width, total dry matter, chlorophyll, a*, h°, nitrate accumulation, P parameters and that it is the recommended dose in rocket cultivation.