Effect of type and method of application of nano- and chemical fertilizers on seed yield and essential oils of borage (Borago officinalis L.)

A split plot experiment was conducted to investigate the seed and essence yield of borage (Borago officinalis L.) under the influence of type and method of application of nanofertilizers based on a complete random block design with arrangement of split plot-factorial in three replications at Faculty of Agriculture, Islamic Azad University, Tabriz Branch in 2013. Fertilizers at 11 levels (Iron sulphate, nano-iron %10, Zinc sulphate, nano-zinc %20, urea and nano-urea, sulphate-potash, nano-potash %23, complete micro fertilizer, nano-complete micro-fertilizer, and control) along with different methods of application including (soil application, foliar application, and soil + foliar application) were considered. Results showed that use of urea fertilizer increased dry weight of shoots and plant height compared with the control group. The use of Nano-urea fertilizer could also significantly increased leaf area, harvest index, flower essence and essential oil yield compared to the control. Application of chemical and nanofertilizers of urea and potash had the most increasing effect on shoot dry weight and flower essential oil. Application of nano-urea increased essence production. Considering the desirable effects of nanofertilizers in comparison with chemical fertilizers, the use of nanofertilizers is suggested as an effective step toward sustainable agriculture.