A Master’s thesis at the College of Agriculture examined the effect of treatment methods using arginine and tryptophan acids on the growth, flowering, and corm yield of gladiolus plants.

The College of Agriculture at the University of Diyala held a defense session for the Master’s thesis titled:

“Effect of Treatment Methods Using Arginine and Tryptophan Acids on the Growth, Flowering, and Corm Yield of Gladiolus Plants.”

The study, conducted by Hind Abdulhamid Rashid, aimed to examine the impact of applying different concentrations of the amino acids arginine and tryptophan, determining the optimal concentration to enhance sprout emergence, growth, flowering, and corm yield in gladiolus plants. Additionally, the research assessed the influence of various application methods for these amino acids, identifying the most effective technique for increasing the percentage and number of emerging sprouts, as well as evaluating their effects on vegetative growth, flowering, and corm yield.

Key Findings and Recommendations:

The study concluded that:

• The combined method of soaking + spraying with different concentrations of amino acids significantly improved vegetative and floral growth characteristics.
• The interaction between application method and amino acid concentrations had a statistically significant effect in enhancing vegetative growth, flowering, and the yield of corms and cormels in gladiolus plants.

Recommendations:

• Gladiolus cultivation is feasible for cut flower production and corm yield under greenhouse conditions.
• The use of arginine and tryptophan at higher concentrations than those tested in the study is suggested to determine the maximum effective levels, ensuring improved growth characteristics without reaching inhibitory effects on plant development.