Physiological indexese macro- and micronutrients in plant tissue and essential oil of Mentha piperita L. grown in nutrient solution with variation in N, P, K and Mg levels

Abstract

Mentha piperita L. is an aromatic and medicinal species of the family Lamiaceae, known as mint or peppermint, and its leaves and branches produce essential oil rich in menthol. This study aimed to evaluate physiological indexes, macro-and micronutrients inthe shootsand essential oil of Mentha piperita L. grown in nutrient solution number 2 of Hoagland and Arnon (1950) with different N, P, K and Mg levels. Shoot length, dry mass of the different organs, total dry mass, leaf area, essential oil yield and composition, and macronutrient (N, P, K, Mg, Ca, S) and micronutrient (Mn, Cu, Fe, Zn) contents in the shoot were evaluated. Plants treated with 65%N/50%P/25%K/100%Mg had a tendency towards longer shoot, greaterroot and leaf blade dry masses, higher essential oil yield, higher menthol levels and lower menthone levels. The results showed that Mentha can be grown in nutrient solution by reducing 65% N, 50% P, 25% K and 100% Mg. This solution had better development compared to the other tested treatments. Therefore,we recommendMentha piperita L. to be grown with such nutrient levels.Keywords: Lamiaceae, menthol,hydroponics and nutrition RESUMO: Índices fisiológicos, macro e micronutrientes no tecido vegetal e óleo essencial de Mentha piperita L. cultivada em solução nutritiva com variação de N, P, K e Mg. Mentha piperita L., é uma espécie aromática e medicinal pertencente à família Lamiaceae, conhecida como menta ou hortelã-pimenta que produz em sua parte aérea óleo essencial rico em mentol. O objetivo do trabalho foi avaliar os índices fisiológicos, macro e micronutrientes na parte aérea e óleo essencial de Mentha piperita L. cultivada em solução nutritiva numero Hoagland e Arnon (1950) com variação dos níveis de N, P, K e Mg. Foram avaliados comprimento da parte aérea, massa seca dos diferentes órgãos e total, área foliar, rendimento e composição do óleo essencial, teor de macronutrientes (N, P, K, Mg, Ca e S), e de micronutrientes (Mn, Cu, Fe e Zn) na parte aérea. As plantas nutridas com 65% de N, 50% de P, 25% de K, e 100% de Mg, apresentaram tendência de maior comprimento de parte aérea e massa seca de raízes e de lâminas foliares; maior rendimento de óleo essencial e, em média, maiores teores de mentol e menores teores de mentona. O resultados permitem concluir que a Mentha pode ser cultivada em solução nutritiva reduzindo-se 65% de N, 50% de P, 25% de K e 100% de Mg. Esta solução apresentou melhor desenvolvimento em relação aos outros tratamentos. Recomenda-se, portanto, o cultivo da Mentha piperita L. com tais níveis de nutrientes.

Effect of a Newly-Developed Nutrient Solution and Electrical Conductivity on Growth and Bioactive Compounds in Perilla frutescens var. crispa

“…This result was consistent with the study of Lu et al who reported that the PA of green and red perilla was not affected by EC or light intensity [33]. The effect of EC and certain minerals in the nutrition solution on the synthesis of essential oils from various plant species have been shown [55][56][57]. Although there was no significant difference in PA concentration in the present study, it showed a trend of increasing this value as the content of N, S, and P in the nutrient solution increased with increasing EC levels.…”

Essential and Heavy Metals Content in Wild and Cultivated Mentha Species from Bosnia and Herzegovina

“…Essential metals as micro-and macro-elements (Cu, Zn, Cr, Fe, Mn, K, Na, Mg, and Ca) are needed at low concentrations for normal functioning of enzyme systems, formation of haemoglobin, synthesis of vitamins, and for growth, development and photosynthesis in plants. 1,2 On the other hand, toxic elements, such as Pb, Cd, and Ni, are not necessary to the human body and may cause severe consequences to human health. [3][4][5][6][7] In B&H, Mentha species have been used as tea in traditional medicine since ancient times, as well as in different herb formulations as ingredients for making creams, perfumes, soaps, etc.…”