Effects of Nitrogen Rate and Planting Date on Growth, Yield and Chemical Composition of Malabar Spinach (Basella alba .L) Under Canadian Maritime Climatic Conditions.

Abstract

Malabar spinach (Basella alba L.) is one of the ethnic leafy vegetables in Canada, which is popular among immigrants of Asian and African origins. However, there are no clearly established production practices for commercial production of Malabar spinach in Canada. Therefore, this research study was conducted to determine the effects of nitrogen (N) rate and planting date on growth, yield and chemical composition of Malabar spinach under Canadian maritime climatic conditions. Our results showed 80 kg N ha-1 is optimal for the greenhouse production of Malabar spinach. Field experiment results indicated 40 kg N ha-1 is optimal for early planting. For mid and late plantings there were no significant differences in the growth and yield of the control and the N applied treatments. Nitrogen rate and planting date had little effect on phenolic and carotenoid content. Nitrate content was found very low regardless of N application rate.