Integrated management of organic fertilizers and mycorrhiza inoculation on seed yield and yield components of dwarf chicory (Cichorium pumilum Jacq.)

In order to investigate the effects of organic fertilizers and mycorrhiza inoculation on yield and yield components of dwarf chicory (Cichorium pumilum Jacq.), an experiment was conducted as factorial layout based on randomized complete block design with three replications at research farm of Ferdowsi University of Mashhad in 2012-2013 growing seasons. Experimental treatments were all combinations of organic fertilizers at four levels (cow manure, humic acid, fulvic acid and control) and mycorrhiza inoculation at three levels (inoculation with Glomus mosseae, G. intraradices and control without inoculation). The results showed that the mycorrhiza species increased the number of lateral branches, plant height, number of inflorescence per plant, number of seed and seed weight per plant. Application of G. mosseae led to increasing of seed yield as 29% higher than control treatment. Using organic fertilizers improved seed yield. The highest number of lateral branches and plant height were obtained in cow manure treatment and the highest number of inflorescence, number of seeds per plant and seed yield were shown in humic acid treatment. Furthermore, integrated mycorrhizae and organic fertilizers treatments increased yield and yield components of dwarf chicory.