Phytochemical and morpho-physiological responses of stevia rebaudiana bertoni to different planting beds and mycorrhizal fungi inoculation [glomus intraradices n.c. schenck and g.s. sm.]

Background: The composition of the planting beds and its microorganisms has a very important role on the establishment, growth and phytochemical performance of medicinal plants

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the effect of different planting beds and inoculation of mycorrhizal fungus on the changes of stevioside, rebaudioside, and morpho-physiological traits of stevia

Methods: This study was conducted in a factorial experiment based on randomized complete blocks design [RCBD] with 10 treatments and 4 replications. The first factor consisted of inoculum and non-inoculum treatment of Glomus intraradices, and the second factor was the different combination of peat moss, coco peat, perlite and soil as planting beds

Results: Mycorrhizal fungi inoculation significantly increased the plant height, number of lateral branches, stem and root diameter, number of leaves, leaf fresh/dry weight, shoot dry weight, root dry weight, and content of stevioside, rebaudioside A and C. Also, different combination of planting beds had a significant effect on the plant height, stem dry/fresh weight, leaf fresh weight, root dry/fresh weight, and content of stevioside, rebaudioside A and C

Conclusion: The results of this study showed that the combination of peat moss + coco peat + soil [2:1:1] with mycorrhizal fungi inoculation among the treatments had the highest positive effect on leaf dry weight and glycoside carbohydrates in stevia plants

[Genomic and phytochemical assessment of chavir [Ferulago angulate] under different in vitro conditions]

Background: Ferulago angulata [Known in Iran as Chavir] is an endangered species with Anti fugal and anti-bacterial activity that can act as a natural preservator

Objective: Evaluation the effect of in vitro culture conditions and plant growth regulators on somaclonal variation and the phytochemical content of in vitro regenerated plants

Methods: Induced calli were transferred to Murashige and Skoog [MS] medium supplemented with 1-Naphthaleneacetic acid [NAA] and 6-Benzylaminopurine [BAP] for regeneration stage. The essential oils were extracted by Clevenger apparatus and the yield and composition of essential oils were assayed by GC/Mass. Inter-Simple Sequence Repeat [ISSR], Start codon Targeted [SCoT] and CAAT Box Derived Polymorphism [CBDP] markers were used to assess somaclonal variation

Results: The highest callus formation was obtained via radicle explant in MS medium supplemented with 2 mg/L 2,4-D and 1mg/L BAP. Maximum percentage of regeneration was occurred via derived calli from hypocotyl in MS medium supplemented with 0.1 mg/L BAP and 0.5 NAA. The phytochemical assay revealed a considerable differences between natural habitats and in vitro regenerated plants. The percentage of ?-Pinene in plants derived from natural habitats and in vitro conditions were 27 and 1.53 respectively. The yield of essential oils were 2.26 and 0.64 [ml/100g D.M.] in natural habitats and in vitro regenerated plants respectively. The result of PCR assay indicated genetic variation between tissue cultured samples

Conclusion: The results indicated that in vitro culture conditions had a considerable effect on genome and metabolome of Ferulago angulate

Effective induction of hairy roots in persian poppy [Papaver bracteatum Lindl.] using sonication method

Background: Papaver bracteatum Lindl. Commonly known as Iranian poppy is an important medicinal plant due to the presence of benzylisoquinoline alkaloids

Objective: To evaluate the hairy root culture as a novel method for thebaine production

Methods: To optimize the hairy root culture of P. bracteatum, five strains of Agrobacterium rhizogenes [ATCC15834, C318, A13, 9453 and A4] were used by means of Sonication-Assisted Agrobacterium-mediated Transformation [SAAT]

Results: Strain C318 proved to be more efficient than the other strains to hairy root induction ability. Among different experimental conditions, the highest transformation rate [28.5 %] was observed 4 weeks after inoculation, once the explants were subjected to sonication [45 s] following a heat treatment of 41 degree C for 5 min. Transgenic status of the hairy roots was confirmed by PCR using rolB specific primers

Conclusion: Strain C318 proved to be more efficient than the other strains to hairy root induction ability. Among different experimental conditions, the highest transformation rate [28.5 %] was observed 4 weeks after inoculation, once the explants were subjected to sonication [45 s] following a heat treatment of 41 degree C for 5 min. Transgenic status of the hairy roots was confirmed by PCR using rolB specific primers

[ study of relative expression of key genes of thymol biosynthesis pathway in thymus vulgaris cv. 'varico 3' under cold stress using real-time PCR]

Background: Thyme [Thymus vulgaris L.] is a valuable medicinal plant which has many secondary metabolites such as thymol and carvacrol

Objective: This study was done to evaluation of cold stress effect on gene expression in thymol biosynthesis pathway including DXR ¡HMGR and TPS1

Methods: The effect of cold stress in the time period of 0, 3, 12, 24 and 48 hours on gene expression in thymol biosynthesis pathway including DXR, HMGR and TPS1 was evaluated by RT-PCR. This study was done on base of complete randomized design [CRD] in Institute of Medicinal Plants, ACECR, Karaj, Iran

Results: Results showed that the cold stress had significantly effect on expression of studied genes. The highest expression of HMGR gene was observed within 3 hours after cold treatment [1.57 times more than control treatment]. The expression of DXR and TPS1 genes were reduced in different periods of cold stress

Conclusion: In general, the genes expression of thymol and carvacrol biosynthesis pathway including DXR, HMGR and TPS1 were significantly changed by cold stress

[ effect of antioxidant compounds and media on biosynthesis of limiter phenolic compounds during in vitro culture of Mentha arvensis L.]

Background: Phenolic compounds are one of the most important classes of plant secondary metabolites that produced in response to environmental conditions. The concentrations and compounds of media have played a significant role in production of these compounds. Production of phenolic compounds in the medium reduces the chances of success in tissue culture process or complicates the process

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effect of various antioxidants and media on change in biosynthesis of phenolic compounds in callus culture of Mentha arvensis L

Methods: leaves were cultured on MS medium supplemented with 2,4-D, NAA, BAP and KIN for callus induction. After selection of the best medium for callus induction, calli were subculture on MS and B5 media in combination with different concentration of Activated charcoal, Citric acid, Ascorbic acid, Turmeric and polyvinylpyrrolidone [PVP] for study of phenolic compounds. The amounts of phenolic compounds in callus and media were analyzed by spectrophotometer

Results: The maximum callus fresh weight [3.56 gr] and dry weight [1.88 gr] were obtained in 0.5 mg/l 2,4-D. Activitated charcoal, citric acid, Ascorbic acid, PVP, have not significant effects on production of phenolic compounds whereas, both concentrations of Turmeric have significant effect. The highest level of phenol [127 ml/micro g] in media and the lowest level [72.9 ml/micro g] of phenol in callus was observed in media with 1000 mg/l of Turmeric

Conclusion: Turmeric will be assisting a significant effect on release and absorption of phenolic compounds in tissue culture medium. This study could be contributed as an inexpensive and practical for callus induction and also could applied for production of phenolic compounds in vitro plant secondary metabolites production

[Changes in phytochemical and morpho-physilogical traits of thyme [Thymus vulgaris CV varico 3] under different salinity levels]

Background: Thyme is a valuable medicinal plants that evaluation of its quality and quantity yield is necessary

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effect of salinity on morphological, physiological and phytochemical traits of thyme

Methods: The study was carried out as a randomized complete block design at the Institute of Medicinal Plants with 4 levels of salinity treatments including [control, 50, 100 and 150 mM] and three replications. In this study some morphophysiologial and phytochemical traits of thyme were measured

Results: Results showed the significant effect of salinity on plant height, number of lateral shoots, vegetative dry weight, root fresh weight, root dry weight, Length and Width of a Leaf. The results of the means comparison showed that by increasing levels of salinity, sodium content, electrolyte leakage and proline content increased conversely, the amount of potassium, relative water content, chlorophyll and carotenoid were decreased. The content of thymol and carvacrol increased by higher levels of salinity [100 mM sodium chloride] compared with control

Conclusion: Although the majority of yield related traits negatively affected by salinity but the highest amount of thymol and carvacrol has been achieved in 100 mM NaCl

[Expression of genes 1-deoxy-d-xyhilose 5-phosphate reductoisomerase [dxr], sabinen synthase [tctpsl] and a- terpineol synthase [tctpss] and its relation to thymol and carvaerol biosynthesis in thymus vulgaris under water deficit stress]

Background: Thymol and Carvaerol are the two important secondary metabolites from Thymus vulgaris that productions of them are controlled by genetic and environmental factors

Objective: Evaluation of Water stress effects on expression of three important genes of thymol and carvacrol biosynthetic pathway and also physiological and phytochemical properties of Thymus vulgaris

Methods: The present study was conducted in a randomized complete block design with 4 treatments and 3 replications in Institute of Medicinal Plants, ACECR, Karaj

For this purpose, the treatments were selected as control [FC], 70% of FC, 40% of FC, and 20% of FC. Gene expression was studied using real-time PCR method, and HPLC was applied to essence analysis. Also physiological characteristic including chlorophyll content, relative water content, electrolyte leakage percentage and carotenoids content were analyzed

Results: The results revealed that water stress significantly influenced the gene expression [P< 0.05]. The highest gene expression of DXR and TctpsS was observed in 70% of FC, while the highest one of TvTPSl was recorded in 40% of FC. Moreover, the maximum thymol and carvacrol was found in 70% of FC. In other hand the highest chlorophyll content and corotenoids content were obtained in 100% and 70% of FC respectively. Also there were not significant differences between treatments for relative water content and electrolyte leakage percentage

Conclusion: The 70% of FC through influencing of genes in the firs and last of MEP pathway increased thymol and carvacrol production

Application of plant biostimulants as new approach to improve the biological responses of medicinal plants- a critical review

The aim of this review was to represent a category of applied plant biostimulants and to highlight the effect of their application on morphological and phytochemical properties of medicinal plants in in vivo and in vitro conditions and their mechanism of action. Plant biostimulants, safe for both human beings and the environment, are substances or materials, except for nutrients and pesticides, which have the ability to beneficially modify plant growth and have been accepted over the past decade. Plant biostimulants have natural and synthetic origin. The natural biostimulants contain amino acids, bacteria, seaweed, yeast, chitosan, phytohormones, and also plant growth regulators [synthetic hormones], phenolic compounds, inorganic salts, essential elements, and other different substances are some examples of synthetic biostimulants. The plant biostimulants through different mechanisms of action [such as nitrogen assimilation] are sustainable management practice for production of medicinal plants, increasing biomass production, and enhancing secondary metabolites synthesis and it is investigated and shown in many studies in recent years. Furthermore, there are many reports on positive effects of biostimulants and elicitors application on medicinal plants in in vitro culture condition. Some products of companies active in the formulation of biostimulants in Iran are mentioned in this review. In conclusion, yield response in medicinal plants to biostimulants application showed that each medicinal plant responds in a different way based on the chemical composition and components of biostimulants, the timing and rate of application

Improving trigonelline production in hairy root culture of fenugreek [Trigonella foenum-graecum]

Background: Trigonella foenum-graecum L. commonly known as fenugreek is a rich source of important medicinal metabolite, i.e. trigonelline

Objective: In this study, hairy roots culture as a novel method for trigonelline production was evaluated

Methods: For optimizing the hairy roots culture of Trigonella foenum-graecum, three strains of Agrobacterium rhyzogenes [ATCC15834, MSU440 and K599] via two inoculations methods including scotch and vacuum pump were used to agro-infiltration. Two elicitors including methyl jasmonate [0, 25, 50, 100 and 200 micro M] and chitosan [0, 50, 100, 150 and 200mgl[-1]] were added to liquid medium as abiotic and biotic elicitors in various concentrations, respectively

Results: The trigonelline content was increased via elicitation by methyl jasmonate and chitosan against control condition. The maximum trigonelline [36.7 and 37.3 mM/g D.W] were observed in 100 micro M of methyl jasmonate and 150 mg/l of chitosan, respectively

Conclusion: All parts of the seedling [crown, stem and leaf] were able to produce the hairy roots. Also, the highest dry weight of hairy root was obtained by A. rhizogenes strain 15834. The transformation of fenugreek using Agrobacterium rhizogenes to form hairy root cultures has the potential benefits of fast growth and rates of secondary metabolite production equal to or greater than that found for the intact plant

Comparison in chemical compositions of the essential oil from leaves of Lippia citriodora H.B.K. plantlets produced from micro-propagation and stem cutting

Background: Lemon verbena [Lippia citriodora H.B.K.] is an aromatic and medicinal plant of family Verbenaceae, which cultivated in the North region of Iran

Objective: This comparative study was carried out on essential oil content and composition of Lippia citriodora H.B.K. from micro-propagated and rooted apical stem cutting plantlets

Methods: The micro-propagated plantlets were obtained by use of synthetic medium condition containing basal MS medium supplemented with 1 mg.l-1 BAP, 0.5 mg.l-1 IBA, 1 g.l-1 activated charcoal, 30 g.l[-1] sucrose, and 7 g.l[-1] agars. Pre-acclimated plantlets were transferred to the research greenhouse. To determine the essential oil content and its components in two types of plantlets, leaves of L. citriodora were collected in August 2013 before flowering stage. The essential oils were extracted by Clevenger apparatus and their constituents were determined by GC-MS

Results: The results indicated that thirty-two components were determined in the stem cutting derived plantlets. The main components of stem cutting plantlets were geranial [13.81%], limonene [11.41%], spathulenol [11.22%], and neral [11.21%]. Thirty-five components were also obtained in the micro-propagated plantlets. The main components of micro-propagated plantlets were consisted of geranial [17.26%], neral [14.48%], 6-methyl-5-hepten-2-one [10.75%], and limonene [8.93%]

Conclusion: In general, the essential oil content of stem cutting plantlets was higher than micro-propagated plantlets, while the number of compounds and amount of geranial and neral in stem cutting plantlets was lower than micro-propagated plantlets

[Genetic and phytochemical evaluation of tissue culture-derived plants in fennel [foeniculum vulgar] under different concentrations of growth regulators]

The genetic diversity among plants derived from tissue culture is called somaclonal variation, which provides a valuable source of genetic variation for the improvement of medicinal plants. Objective: The present study was conducted to investigate the efficiency of molecular markers in detection of somaclonal variation and to assess the importance of DNA methylation in occurrence of genomic changes. The genomic DNA of a normal plant and eight abnormal regenerated plants from calluses cultured in different conditions were extracted using modified Delaporta method. The AFLP procedure was performed with application of two different double digestion methods using restriction enzymes. The digested fragments were ligated to appropriate adaptors and amplification was carried out using appropriate primers. Also percentage and component of essential oil were indicated by GC/MS analysis. Analysis of banding patterns showed high differences in amount of polymorphism detected between two different double digestion methods. According to the results of cluster analysis based on the Jaccard's similarity coefficient, all tested plants divided into two main group. While the first group contained only normal sample, other abnormal samples were placed in the second group. Phytochemical analysis showed that the important secondary metabolites such as Limonene, Fenchone, Estragole ,Anethole didn't produce in invitro culture condition. In contrast some metabolites like Cineol, Terpineol, 2,4 Decadienal produce just in invitro culture. The results indicated that the used method has the potential to be used for assessment of somaclonal variations in regenerated plants. Additionally, considering characters of served enzymes in this study, phenotypic variations in abnormal plants that are resulted from somaclonal variation can be related to genome methylation

[Determination of yield components of trigonelline in fenugreek [trigonella foenum-graceum L.] seed based on path analysis and regression]

Trigonelline in fenugreek seed is a valuable medicinal metabolite in reducing blood cholesterol and blood. Determine the most important components of seed yield, percent and yield of seed trigonelline in fenugreek under foliar application and non-application of methanol. The experiment was done a randomized complete block design with two treatments as foliar application of methanol [0 and 30 v/v%] and four replications. Path analysis and stepwise regression were used in order to denote the most important effective traits on seed yield, percent and yield of seed trigonelline in fenugreek. The results showed that 1000-seeds weight and number of branches per plant for seed yield; total dry weight and number of pods per plant for percent of seed trigonelline; seed yield and percent of seed trigonelline for yield of seed trigonelline in the non-application of methanol, and also, the number of seeds per pod, percent of seed oil, number of pods per plant and plant height for seed yield; leaf dry weight, shoot trigonelline and geometric mean diameter of seed for percent of seed trigonelline and seed yield; percent of seed trigonelline and pod length for yield of seed trigonelline in foliar application of methanol [30 v/v%] treatment significantly justified changes related to the dependent variables. Path analysis of dependent variables showed that the yield of seed trigonelline by direct positive effect of seed yield and the percent of seed trigonelline were the most important yield components of seed trigonelline. Generally, the results indicate that seed yield and percent of seed trigonelline can be used for increasing of yield of seed trigonelline in the breeding of fenugreek

Phytochemical, agronomical and morphological responses of pot marigold [Calendula officinalis L.] to foliar application of bio-stimulators [bioactive amino acid compounds]

Bio-stimulators as biological substances stimulate metabolism and metabolic processes, which can be increase plants yield and secondary metabolites content. The aim is to introduce bio-stimulators as bioactive amino acid compounds to increase yield and help to sustainable agriculture. This experiment was conducted at ACECR on the base of randomized complete blocks design with three replications in 2011. The treatments were commercial formulations of Aminolforte, Kadostim, Fosnutren, Humiforte [each of them 0.75 and 1.5 L.ha[-1]], chemical fertilizer NPK [70 kg.ha[-1]], and control treatment [no foliar application]. The treatments had significant effect on the studied parameters except SPAD value. Humiforte 1.5 L.ha[-1] caused increase in plant dry weight to 37.46%, capitula dry weight to 36.92%, leaf area to 34.44%, relative water content to 32.03%, harvest index to 20.40%, capitula number/plant to 40.64%, total carbohydrates of capitula to 18.43%, total flavonoids of leaves to 19.35%, and total flavonoids yield of leaves to 38.3% compared to control. The highest amount of total flavonoids in capitula [0.25%, with increase to 32% compared to control] was related to Aminolforte 1.5 L.ha[-1]. Kadostim 1.5 L.ha[-1] increased plant height to 36.83%, leaves number to 26.65% and total flavonoids yield of capitula to 38.82%, total carbohydrates of leaves to 13.52%. Content of N, P and K increased with foliar application of bioactive amino acid compounds. Humiforte and Kadostim 1.5 L.ha[-1] were the best treatments in regard to existence of amino acid compounds and macro-nutrients of N, P and K in their formulations

Over - expression effect of gene encoding 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase on production of taxol in Iranian hazel [Corylus avellana L.]

Sustainable and commercial production of taxol as an anti cancer drug is a critical point to its clinical application. Nowadays, hazel because of rapid growth and wide range distribution is considered as an alternative source of Taxol. To increase taxol production the cDNA encoding 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase [HMGR] from Iranian hazel [GeneBank accession number KF306244, showed by CIHMGR] was isolated and over-expressed in pCAMBIA1304 binary vector. The effect of transient over-expression of HMGR in callus and leaf were evaluated on Taxol production. The calli was established through the culture of immature cotyledon on Murashige and Skoog basal medium supplemented with 2, 4-D and BA. The first strand cDNA of CiHMGR was synthesized by specific primers. Enzymatic assay of recombinant CiHMGR in E. coli were done by western blott and His-tag affinity techniques. Also production of taxol in transformed callus and leaf were evaluated by HPLC analysis. An Open Reading Frame [ORF] with 1698 bp length and a deduced polypeptide with 566 amino acid residues were amplified. The highest and lowest amount of taxol was 0.016 mg/g. DW and 0.004 mg/gDW in transformed calli and untransformed leaves respectively. Generally the over-expression of HMGR increase the total isoprenoids yield, therefore to have high production of target secondary metabolites [taxol] we need both of network of transformed genes and elicited cell culture

[Analytical review on Persian poppy [Papaver bracteatum lindl.] as a native and economical medicinal plant]

Persian poppy or great scarlet poppy [Papaver bracteatuin LindI.] is proposed as a new source of raw material for codeine production and addiction treatment. This species as a native plant is growing in North and West of Iran. As for possible of illegal cultivation of opium poppy, cultivation of Persian poppy in Iran was associated with restrictions and despite the being abundant biodiversity of this plant in Iran, this plant was not considered yet. However, Persian poppy is lacking in morphine and rich in the baine. It has appropriate potential for domestication, mass production, and industrial processing as a valuable medicinal plant. For this reason, in this study was investigated kind of traits in this plant

[ improvement of RAPD-PCR molecular marker efficiency in detection of polymorphism in fennel [Foeniculum vulgar] using restriction enzymes]

Fennel [Foeniculum vulgar] is a medicinal plant species in the Apiaceae family with culinary and medicinal uses. This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of enzymatic digestion of PCR product in improvement of the efficiency of RAPD markers. Nine RAPD primers were used to amplify the genomic DNA of fifteen accessions of Fennel. Following amplification, a part of PCR products was digested with two restriction enzymes [EcoRl and MseI]. Both of digested and undigested PCR products were separated on agarose gel electrophoresis. The accessions were grouped by cluster analysis and polymorphic information content index was calculated for each marker. Also percentage and component of essential oil were indicated by CC/MS analysis. The comparison of banding patterns of digested and undigested PCR products revealed that digestion of RAPD-PCR product using a four base cutter enzyme such as Mse I shows a higher level of polymorphism as compared to standard RAPD. Cluster analysis based on data obtained by modified RAPD classified accessions more suitable as compared to standard RAPD data. There was no correlation between genetic diversity and metabolic yield. Restriction enzymes have enormous potential to improve the efficiency of RAPD markers in evaluation of genetic diversity across genome

[Changes of trigonelline biosynthesis under nitrogenous compounds in hairy-root culture of Iranian fenugreek [Trigonella foenum-graecum L.]]

Trigonelline is known as a valuable metabolite of alkaloids group with the therapeutic affects, especially on diabetes. In this study the effect of 3 levels of nitrogen compounds [2x, full, and half] of basic MS media including KNO3 and NH4NO3 were evaluated on trigonelline production in suspension culture for normal and hairy roots. In order to hairy root induction, 2 strains of Agerobacterium rhizogenes [ATCC15834 and K599] via co-cultivation and injection methods were used. After appearing of hairy roots a molecular analysis by PCR and genes primers of rolB and virD was conducted to confirm insertion of T-DNA segments in root genome and that the roots were bacteria-free. Then, the hairy and normal roots for investigations of trigonelline production ability were cultured in suspension MS media and the treatments were arranged in an experimental based on Randomized Complete Block Design with 3 replications. After 28 days, the trigonelline contain of roots were analyzed by HPLC method. The hairy roots were induced in the parts of plant such as crown, stem and leaf by the both strains of bacteria. The highest amount of trigonelline contain was achieved of the hairy roots cultured in MS2x media and the lowest was achieved in MS1/2N media. [13.98 and 8.74 mM/g dry mater respectively]. the results indicate a main role of nitrogenous compounds [especially NH4[+]] and quick growth of hairy roots in enhancing of trigonelline production

[Rapid Micropropagation of Lemon verbena [Lippia citriodora L.] using in vitro culture]

The genus Lippia contains more than 200 species that Lemon verbena [Lippia citriodora] has a high medicinal value. Therefore expansion of its acreage using development of rapid and new propagation methods has a high importance. The aim of this study was to present a rapid, new and effective method, using nodal segments, for large scale propagation of this plant. In order to the shoot micropropagation, lateral buds on nodal segments were placed on MS medium supplemented with different concentrations of auxin and cytokinin hormones. Root induction was studied in the media containing IBA, NAA and activated charcoal. For acclimatization, plants were transferred to plastic bags containing a mixture of vermiculite, perlite and soil. The highest number of shoots was obtained on the MS medium supplemented with 3 mg/L BAP in combination with 0.1 mg/L IBA and well-developed shoots were rooted on the MS medium with 0.5 mg/L IBA and 2 gr/L activated charcoal. According to the high rate of proliferation in the media supplemented with BAP and IBA [3 and 0.1 mg/L, respectively], this technique can be used instead of conventional propagation methods, as a quick and economical technique to propagation of a wide range of the same plants

[Trigonelline alkaloid, a valuable medicinal metabolite plant]

Trigonelline is an alkaloid composition that involved hormone role in plants. This metabolite is synthesized by methylation of nicotinic acid in plant and is found in several plants species, including coffee, fenugreek, soybean, pea, alfalfa and etc. This alkaloid is claimed to have anticarcinogenic, antimigraine, antiseptic, hypocholesterolemic, and hypoglycemic activities. Several studies has indicated that trigonelline inhibit the major enzymes of glucose metabolism thus decrease the blood glucose level. Based on this, trigonelline metabolite may be cause of a new production drug for the management and treatment of diabetes. Trigonelline was identified as a leaf-closing factor in a nyctinastic plant, a signal in the response to oxidative stress in plants, an osmoregulator in response to drought and salt stress, a molecule promoting cell arrest in G2, and an inducer of nod genes during colonization of root legumes

[Effect of bio-stimulators compounds on quantitative and qualitative yield of German chamomile [Matricaria recutita L.]]

In order to ecological agriculture, application of bio-stimulators compounds can be increase the quantitative and qualitative yield of crops in company with reducing environmental stresses. To determine the effects of bio-stimulators compounds on quantitative and qualitative yield of German chamomile [Matricaria recutita L.], this experiment was conducted. This study was done in research farm of ACECR, Institute of Medicinal Plants in a randomized complete block design with three replications and ten treatments in 2010. The treatments were C [Control/no fertilizer], CF [Chemical fertilizer], A[1] [Aminolforte 0.75 L.ha[-1]], A[2] [Aminolforte 1.5 L.ha[-1]], K[1] [Kadostim 0.75 L.ha[-1]], K[2] [Kadostim 1.5 L.ha[-1]], H[1] [Humiforte 0.75 L.ha[-1]], H[2] [Humiforte 1.5 L.ha[-1]], F[1] [Fosnutren 0.75 L.ha[-1]], and F[2] [Fosnutren 1.5 L.ha[-1]]. The results showed that the different treatments had significant effects on plant height, capitule diameter, capitule number per plant, fresh and dry matter yield of capitule per hectare, essential oil yield per hectare, chamazulene content, total flavonoid content [p<0.01] and plant harvest index [p<0.05]. Also, the treatments didn't have significant effects on plant water content. Application of bio-stimulators could be increased the quantitative and qualitative yield of German chamomile. However, treatments of A[2] and F[2] [Aminolforte and Fosnutren 1.5 L.ha[-1]] were the best treatments in respect of yield of capitule and essential oil per hectare. Also, the application of the bio-stimulators can lead to increasing crop production in company with minimizing of environmental pollution and sustainable agriculture