Determination of Morpho-Physiological and Biochemical Responses of Aronia (Aronia melanocarpa L.) Seedlings to Alternative Organic and Industrial Growing Media

Authors : Çağlar Kaya
Pages : 198-210
Doi:10.18615/anadolu.1802160
View : 49 | Download : 57
Publication Date : 2025-12-31
Article Type : Research Paper
Abstract :This study investigated the morpho-physiological and biochemical responses of three aronia cultivars (‘Nero’, ‘Viking’, and ‘Galicjanka’) grown under controlled greenhouse conditions using four growing media: peat + perlite (control), olive pomace compost, biochar, and spent mushroom compost. A randomized complete block design with three replications was employed. Morphological traits such as shoot length, leaf number, and rooting percentage were significantly affected by the substrate. ‘Galicjanka’ exhibited the greatest shoot length (16.53 cm) and rooting percentage (95.68%) in mushroom compost, while biochar notably enhanced fresh biomass in ‘Nero’ (3.44 g). Physiological parameters including chlorophyll content (SPAD) and relative water content (RWC) were highest in plants grown in mushroom compost, particularly in ‘Galicjanka’ (SPAD: 49.9; RWC: 88.1%). Biochemical analyses revealed elevated levels of proline and malondialdehyde (MDA) in the control group, indicating greater oxidative stress. Antioxidant enzyme activities (SOD, CAT) were significantly enhanced by biochar, especially in ‘Nero’ (SOD: 139.4 U mg⁻¹ protein; CAT: 10.97 U mg⁻¹ protein). Total phenolic content and antioxidant capacity peaked in olive pomace compost, with ‘Galicjanka’ recording the highest values (TPC: 39.57 mg GAE g⁻¹ FW; DPPH: 75.18%). Multivariate analyses (PCA and heatmap) confirmed distinct cultivar x substrate interactions. Mushroom and olive composts proved to be effective sustainable alternatives to peat-based media, improving both plant growth and biochemical quality.
Keywords : Organik yetiştirme ortamları, antioksidan aktivite, fide kalitesi, stres göstergeleri, sürdürülebilir tarım

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