A Master’s Thesis at the College of Agriculture Examines the Effects of Chitosan Spraying and Spirulina platensis Extract on the Growth and Flowering of Two Cultivars of Sweet William (Dianthus barbatus L.).

The College of Agriculture at the University of Diyala has successfully discussed a Master’s thesis entitled:

“The Effect of Chitosan and Spirulina platensis Extract Foliar Spraying on the Growth and Flowering of Two Cultivars of Sweet William (Dianthus barbatus L.).”

The study, submitted by postgraduate student Baraa Dir’ Ahmed, aimed to investigate the responses of the vegetative and floral growth of two cultivars of Sweet William (Dianthus barbatus L.) to foliar applications of chitosan and Spirulina platensis extract. It also sought to examine the interactive effects of the investigated factors on improving the vegetative and floral growth characteristics of the plants and to identify the optimal combination for producing high-quality ornamental plants with flowers suitable for commercial harvesting and an extended vase life.

The study recommended the following:

- Employing chitosan and Spirulina platensis extract in the production of ornamental plants of superior quality, given that both are natural, environmentally friendly products that contribute to environmental enhancement in sustainable agriculture and play a role in regulating plant growth and development.

- Conducting further studies to investigate the responses of other ornamental plant species to foliar applications of chitosan and Spirulina platensis extract at varying concentrations.

- Undertaking additional research into the use of chitosan and Spirulina platensis extract, at different concentrations, in preservative solutions for cut flowers to determine their effects on the vase life of harvested blooms.

The study aligns with United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 2 (Zero Hunger) and Sustainable Development Goal 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production).