Effect of vermicompost on some physiological attributes involved in carbon and nitrogen metabolism as well as nutrient status in leaves of tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.)

A pot experiment was carried out to examine the influence of vermicompost application on some key enzymes and metabolites involved in carbon (c) and nitrogen (n) metabolism as well as nutrient status in the leaves of tobacco (nicotiana tabacum l.). two types of vermicompost with two application rates were used in this study. regardless of application rate,both types of vermicompost significantly increased total n,phosphorus (p) and potassium (k) contents in the leaves. they also caused enhancements in contents of total soluble carbohydrates,reducing sugars,starch and total organic c as well as amylase and invertase activities involved in c metabolism,contents of soluble protein and nicotine in n metabolism in the leaves. with an increase in application rate,each vermicompost type had an increasing effect on almost all measured parameters except nitrate reductase activity. regardless of vermicompost type,the high rate (50%) of application showed the best effects compared with controls. the effects of v1 type vermicompost were superior to those of v2 at the same application rate. therefore,the above effects might appear to be dependent on both type and dose. vermicompost could be considered as an effective organic matter for attaining improved plant nutrition as well as c and n metabolism. © 2016,pakistan botanical society. all rights reserved.