Irrigation Intervals and Grazing Intensity Induced Variations in Growth and Chemical Components of Periploca Angustifolia (Labill) Grown In North Sinai

Abstract

Two field trials were conducted in the experimental farm of Baloza Research Station, located at North Sinai. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of irrigation intervals (2, 3 and 4 weeks) and cutting heights (30 and 60 cm above the ground surface) on growth parameters and chemical contents of Periploca angustifolia (Labill) plants. Obtained results indicated that most of growth parameters were decreased in response to various irrigation intervals. Carbohydrates, lipids and K contents (in leaves) were decreased due to irrigation intervals, while the reverse was observed in protein. On the other hand, carbohydrate and K contents in stems were increased as irrigation intervals increased while the reverse was true in protein, lipids and ash contents. No changes were found in various growth parameters with increasing cutting height from 30 to 60 cm except in plant dry weight in the first and second cut, fresh weight and leaf area in the second cut which were decreased with increasing cutting height. With increasing cutting height, carbohydrate was higher; nevertheless, protein and K were lower in leaves. In the opposite side, carbohydrate was lower while protein and lipids were higher at 60 cm cutting in stem.