The purpose of the research was to determine the effects of synthetic plant hormones in the form of IBA (Indole-3-butyric Acid) and BAP (6-Benzylaminopurine) on the content of selected micro- and macronutrients in alfalfa dry matter (DM). In March 2014, a pot experiment was set up in the experimental room at the Faculty of Natural Sciences of the Siedlce University of Natural Sciences and Humanities (52.169°N, 22.280°E – Poland). The experiment, including the control unit, was completely randomised, with four replications. It was conducted in 40 pots, with four pots in each variant and 3 plants in each pot. Alfalfa seeds were sown in mid-March to a depth of 2–3 cm. After the seeds germinated, 3 representative plants in each pot were left for further research. The experimental factor consisted of two growth regulators: synthetic auxin and synthetic cytokinin. Experimental factors were as follows: K - control; IBA (Indole-3-butyric Acid); BAP (6-Benzylaminopurine); IBA+BAP (Indole-3-butyric Acid + 6-Benzylaminopurine). The application time was dependent on the experimental variant; the plants were treated at the sixth true leaf stage and at the first flower bud stage. The total content of K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Mo, Zn, Cu, and Mn was determined with the ICP-AES method. Furthermore, the ratios of macronutrients Ca:Mg, Ca:P and K:(Ca+Mg) were calculated. The application of a mixture of IBA and BAP in the vegetative stage of alfalfa increased the concentration of K and Mg in plants. The concentration of P, Zn, and Cu in dry matter of plants did not change under the influence of the type and time of application. Treating plants with a mixture of IBA and BAP lowered the Ca: Mg and Ca: P ratios, but they still remained at a very high level. The experiment showed that the application of Indole-3-butyric Acid and 6-Benzylaminopurine in the generative stage of plants did not affect the micro- and macronutrient content in Medicago x varia T. Martyn  in a statistically significant way.  

24.3.2019