Effect of Combi VPlantex micronutrient fertilizer on the growth, yield and silymarin content in milk thistle seeds (Silybum marianum (L.) Gaertn.) grown in Phu Tho

The study aims to evaluate the impact of supplementing with Combi VPlantex micronutrients on the growth, yield and silymarin content in milk thistle seeds. The experiment consisted of four treatments, arranged in a completely randomized design. The study monitored growth indicators, yield components, yield and silymarin content in milk thistle seeds. The results have shown that the Combi VPlantex micronutrient had a positive impact on the growth, development and yield of the milk thistle grown in Phu Tho. Combi Vplantex fertilizer sprayed at a concentration of 15% yielded outstanding results with an individual seed yield of 12.8 g/plant, an actual seed yield of 393.8 kg/ha and a silymarin content of 2.39%. However, spraying Combi VPlantex at a concentration of 12.5% also yielded results equivalent to those at a concentration of 15% with 95% reliability, indicating that this could be the optimal concentration for practical production of milk thistle to ensure high economic efficiency while still achieving good yield and quality.