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GROWTH, YIELD AND NUTRIENT CONTENT OF SUNFLOWER (HELIANTHUS ANNUUS L.) USING TREATED WASTEWATER FROM WASTE STABILIZATION PONDS

MOAZZAM A. KHAN, S. SHAHID SHAUKAT AND M. ALTAF KHAN

Abstract: The effect of treated wastewater and equivalent basal fertilizer on growth parameters, chlorophyll and nutrient contents of sunflower was examined. Fresh water with basal fertilizer and treated wastewater significantly increased plant height compared to controls (fresh water) at vegetative stage. Leaf area was significantly increased over the controls by both basal fertilizer and the treated wastewater. Moisture content of leaves and the chlorophyll a and b contents remained unchanged by the treatments. The capitulum diameter, number of seeds/plant, total seed weight/plant as well as 100 seed weight were substantially increased by the treated wastewater. Irrigation with wastewater significantly increased the concentrations of Na, Ca and Mg in sunflower leaves. The level of micronutrient Mn was also elevated in roots. Nutrient levels in other plant parts remained unchanged.

Institute of Environmental Studies, University of Karachi, Karachi-75270, Pakistan
Corresponding author E-mail: Sherwanis@hotmail.com; Tel 92-21-921386, Fax: 92-21-921386