Medicinal Plants
Abolfazl Mohammadi Khorzani; Heshmat Omidi; Mohammad Hosein Bijeh Keshavarzi
Abstract
Purpose: This study investigated the effects of phosphorus, potassium, and humic acid fertilizers on growth, yield, and physiological traits of chicory under Arak’s climatic conditions using a factorial experiment. Research Method: The experiment was conducted in a randomized complete block design ...
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Purpose: This study investigated the effects of phosphorus, potassium, and humic acid fertilizers on growth, yield, and physiological traits of chicory under Arak’s climatic conditions using a factorial experiment. Research Method: The experiment was conducted in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Experimental factors included levels of phosphorus fertilizer (0, 8 and 12 kgha-1), potassium fertilizer (0, 10 and 15 kgha-1), and humic acid (0, 0.5 and 2 kgha-1). Findings The results showed that the highest Leaf Area Index was observed in the treatment of 12kg/ha phosphorus+10 kg/ha potassium sulfate+2 kg/ha humic acid, with a mean of 2.9. The highest number of flowers and the highest total chlorophyll content were obtained in 12 kg/ha phosphorus + 10 kg/ha potassium sulfate + 0.5 kg/ha humic acid treatment with averages of 49.11 per plant and 39.5µg/g FW respectively. The highest flower yield was in 10 kg/ha potassium sulfate treatment with an average of 330.6 kgha-1. The highest content of free proline was obtained in 8 kg/ha phosphorus+15kg/ha potassium sulfate+2 kg/ha humic acid treatment with 0.97μmol/g FW. Combined phosphorus, potassium, and humic acid application significantly improved chicory growth, yield, and physiology, increasing leaf area index, flower number/yield, shoot yield, biomass, and chlorophyll content, while decreasing free proline. Research limitations: No significant limitations were identified in this study. Originality/Value: To maximize chicory growth and yield in the specific climatic conditions of this study, a balanced fertilizer application is crucial, as excessive fertilization can be harmful. This study suggests a combination of 8 kg/ha of superphosphate, 10kg/ha of potassium sulfate, and 0.5 kg/ha of humic acid powder. Future research should focus on understanding how these nutrients affect chicory at a mechanistic level and on evaluating the long-term consequences of various fertilization programs for soil fertility and environmental health.
Medicinal Plants
Mohammad Hosein Bijeh Keshavarzi; Heshmat Omidi
Abstract
Purpose: Artemisia annua L., a medicinal herb of significant importance due to its high artemisinin content, a potent antimalarial compound. This study aimed to investigate the influence of various bio-chemical fertilizer combinations on the growth characteristics and artemisinin content of Artemisia ...
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Purpose: Artemisia annua L., a medicinal herb of significant importance due to its high artemisinin content, a potent antimalarial compound. This study aimed to investigate the influence of various bio-chemical fertilizer combinations on the growth characteristics and artemisinin content of Artemisia annua L. Graphical analysis techniques were employed to visualize and optimize fertilizer treatments for achieving the desired balance between quantitative (biomass) and qualitative (artemisinin content) traits. Research Method: This experiment was conducted as a factorial experiment with a basic randomized complete block design (RCBD) with four replications in a research greenhouse. The main factors in this experiment included the application of bio-fertilizers (control, nitroxin, bio-phosphorus, and vermicompost), and the sub-factor consisted of four levels of chemical phosphorus (P) and nitrogen (N) fertilizers (0, N40 P40, N80 P40, and N80 P80). Findings: The results of the combined analysis for all traits revealed significant effects of bio-fertilizer and chemical fertilizer at the 5% and 1% probability levels, respectively. The interaction of treatments also exhibited significant differences for most traits. Mean comparison using LSD showed that vermicompost and N80P80 treatments were superior to other treatments. Correlation analysis revealed a positive and significant correlation between the traits, as evidenced by the correlation coefficients and correlation charts. Graphical analysis identified treatments Vermicompost + N80P80 and Nitroxin + N80P80 as optimal based on trait desirability. The results of the focused scatter plot analysis further confirmed Vermicompost + N80P80 as the most favorable treatment. The findings revealed a strong correlation among the evaluated traits. Research limitations: There was no limitation. Originality/Value: Treatments Vermicompost + N80P80 and Nitroxin + N80P80 emerged as the most favorable options based on the assessed traits, demonstrating remarkable efficacy in augmenting artemisinin levels.
