Nitrogen and phosphorus levels affected plant growth, essential oil composition and antioxidant status of lavender plant (Lavandula angustifolia Mill.)
Journal
Industrial Crops and Products
Date Issued
May 1, 2016
DOI
10.1016/j.indcrop.2015.12.067
Abstract
Lavandula angustifolia (Mill.) is a multidisciplinary medicinal and aromatic plant of great importance in fragrance and pharmaceutical industries and/or landscaping. Minerals rate affect yield and quality of medicinal plants therefore, this experiment was conducted in order to determine the effects of nitrogen (N: 150-175-200-225-250 mg/L) and phosphorus (P: 30-40-50-60-70 mg/L) levels on the morphological and biochemical characteristics of lavender under hydroponic condition. The results indicated that P levels mainly affected plant growth, while lower N levels (150 mg/L) reduced chlorophylls content. Essential oil yield was remained unaffected under N and P levels. The N levels greater than 200 mg/L as well as 60 mg/L of P, benefited antioxidant status (total phenols, DPPH, FRAP, flavonoids). The main constituents of leaves essential oil (1.8-cineole, borneol, camphor, α-terpineol, myrtenal) and mineral accumulation were affected by N and P treatments.