Carbohydrate, nitrogen and protein content of kinetin-treated Azolla pinnata var. imbricata plants.

Abstract

The influence of various levels of kinetin on growth, carbohydrate, nitrogen, and protein content of Azolla pinnata var. imbricata plants cultured in a nitrogen-free 40% Hoagland’s solution under greenhouse conditions was investigated. Kinetin concentration of 0.10, 1.0 and 5.0 ppm significantly enhanced fresh matter yield during a two week period. The carbohydrate content increased in plants subjected to 0.10 and 1.0 ppm kinetin. The significant increase in the nitrogen and protein levels of whole plants grown in the presence of 0.01, 1.0 ppm kinetin would enhance its nutritive quality as fish feed. Kinetin at 10 ppm decreased yield as well as carbohydrate, nitrogen and protein content.