ROLE OF MELATONIN, BORON AND CHLORELLA VULGARIS ON THE ANTIOXIDANT ENZYMES OF DATE PALMS IN A DESERT ENVIRONMENT
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.36103/d9mvbw42Keywords:
biofertilizer, catalase, combating desertification, peroxidase, polyphenolAbstract
This study aimed to evaluate the effects of melatonin, boron, and Chlorella vulgaris algae on the antioxidant enzyme activity and nutrient status of date palm trees under environmental stress conditions. The study was conducted during the growing season in 2024 at Fadak Date Palm Station, located in the Karbala desert, on Phoenix dactylifera L. ' var. Sayer' trees. With A total of 54 uniforms were seven -year -old palms chosen for the experiment. Melatonin was applied to three concentrations (0, 50 and 100 mg L⁻1) as foliar spray, while boron (in the form of boric acid) were sprayed at two concentrations (0 and 500 mg L⁻1). In addition, Clorella vulgaris algae were incorporated in the soil in three concentrations (0, 100 and 200 ml L⁻1). The results demonstrated that melatonin and boron play an important and dynamic role in increasing the activity of antioxidant enzymes (peroxidase, catalase, and polyphenol oxidase) under drought-induced stress conditions, which improves the nutrition and physical condition of the palms and eventually reflected in fruit quality. In addition, the soil application of Chlorella vulgaris at varying levels increased sharply nitrogen and potassium content in palm leaves. These factors combined alleviate environmental pressures on date palms in desert conditions.
Received: 16/4/2025
Accepted: 13/7/2025
Published: 31/7/2026
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