CHICORY (Cichorium intybus L.) RESPONSE TO MAGNESIUM APPLICATION

Abstract

Chicory (Cichorium intybus L.) has been recently introduced in Chile as a rotational crop for the production of roots, which are harvested in the first year for inulin extraction. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of magnesium applied at three different doses on the growth of chicory, considering foliar symptoms, and concentration and absorption of nutrients in leaves and roots. The study was conducted at the ‘El Nogal’ Experimental Station of the University of Concepción, using a complete randomized block design with 5 replications. The variety used was Diesis, transplanted with three true leaves in polyethylene bags containing mineral wool. Reference fertilization was applied by hydroponic solution (Hoagland solution) during all plant development stages. Magnesium was applied in three different concentrations: deficient, reference and toxic. Measurements of symptomatology, chlorophyll content of leaves, fresh weight and dry matter weight were conducted in the stages 7 and 14 of true leaves and at harvest. Similarly, chemical analyses for both
root and leaf were conducted at the same phenological stages. The symptoms for deficient application of magnesium were marked, showing chlorosis in new leaves and irregular growth of the leaf blade. The roots reached between 60 and 67% of total plant weight. Magnesium concentrations in leaves were higher in roots, as well as absorption, which increased until the development of the 14 true leaves and decreased towards harvest.