Effect of fertilization treatments on yield parameters and mucilage and fat contents in roots of moghat (Glossostemon bruguiri Desf.).

Moghat plants, Glossostemon bruguieri, Desf., received three levels of both N and K fertilizers, either alone or in combination, with a basic dose of P for all the treatments. The results with one and two year old plants revealed the importance of potassium for higher yield of roots, reflected in greater length and diameter. The lower level K1 was enough to attain that goal and the N1K1 treatment was the best in this regard. On the other hand, N fertilization rather favoured the vegetative growth and seed yield. Both N and K fertilization decreased the mucilage content of the roots, but increased their fat content. The root yield after two years increased by 72% compared with one year old plants. That increment was rather dependent on the root diameter than its elongation. The mucilage content was doubled, while the fat content decreased.