İbrahim Duman

Effect of manure doses and growth media on the productivity and mineral composition of rocket leaves (eruca sativa)

Rocket (Eruca sativa) is a member of the Brassicaceae family. It is found endemic in most Mediterranean countries and in Northern and Eastern Europe. According to 1996 records, the annual production of rocket in Turkey was nearly 1100 t green fresh leaves which are mostly used as appetisers with traditional Turkish foods like “pide” (Turkish pizza) or “Kisir” (Turkish wheat meal) or to prepare fresh salads. Rocket was also believed to have aphrodisiac properties. It is used in traditional pharmacopoeia for many different purposes. In this study, three different levels of farmyard manure (4 t da−1; 8 t da−1; 12 t da−1) were applied to experimental soil; experimental soil mixed with pumice and perlite. Five kg da−1 N; 2 kg da−1 P2O5; 1.5 kg da−1 K2O were applied to growth media as basic fertilisation.