In the heart of Iraq, researchers are unlocking new potential for a crop with global economic promise: Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.). A recent study led by Sudad K. Al-Taweel from the Department of Field Crops at the University of Baghdad’s College of Agricultural Engineering Sciences has revealed that combining organic manure with a biostimulant compound could significantly boost the growth, yield, and chemical composition of Roselle, offering a promising avenue for farmers and processors worldwide.
Roselle, an annual shrub, is a versatile crop with a range of uses, from food and beverages to textiles and traditional medicine. Its economic potential is substantial, particularly in export and local markets. However, maximizing its yield and quality has been a persistent challenge. Al-Taweel’s research, conducted over two successive seasons (2020 and 2021), aimed to investigate how different fertilization strategies and biostimulant applications could enhance Roselle’s performance.
The study explored the effects of organic manure, chemical fertilizer, and a biostimulant compound called Appetizer (App), both individually and in combination. The results were striking. “Spraying Roselle plants with App positively increased all parameters studied over the control,” Al-Taweel noted. “However, such an increase was greatly enhanced when the App was combined with fertilization.”
The most remarkable improvements in growth characters, chemical constituents, ascorbic acid, and carbohydrate levels were observed when half doses of chemical and organic manure were combined with 4 and 6 grams per liter of App. Interestingly, organic manure, whether applied alone or combined with App, yielded high values that were often superior to those achieved with chemical fertilizer.
For the commercial sector, particularly the energy sector interested in sustainable and versatile crops, these findings are significant. Roselle’s potential extends beyond traditional markets, with applications in bioenergy and bioproducts. The study suggests that integrating organic manure with biostimulants could offer a sustainable and economically viable approach to enhancing Roselle’s yield and quality.
Al-Taweel’s research, published in the Journal of Basra for Agricultural Sciences (Maǧallaẗ al-baṣraẗ al-ʻulūm al-zirāʻiyyaẗ), highlights the importance of sustainable agricultural practices. “Organically speaking, it is recommended that if there are fewer harmful and healthier products in agriculture, organic manure, either alone or combined with App, is still of high value for plant yield, especially when integrated with 4g L-1 App,” Al-Taweel concluded.
This research not only sheds light on innovative agricultural techniques but also underscores the potential for Roselle to become a cornerstone crop in the global market. As the world increasingly turns to sustainable and versatile crops, Al-Taweel’s findings could pave the way for future developments in the field, offering new opportunities for farmers, processors, and the energy sector alike.