Promotive Effect of Non-Woven Polylactide/Natural Rubber Composites on Growth and Biochemical Constituents of Purple Basil (Ocimum basilicum L.)

Abstract

Presently, modern trends focused on eco-friendly “green” technologies are increasing the widespread use of biodegradable polymers and polymer composites in agricultural production. In this work, non-woven materials, polylactide/natural rubber (PLA/NR) composites with a different natural rubber content, were used as substrates for growing purple basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) in the multisoil compound in a phytochamber. It was shown that non-woven PLA/NR fabrics stimulate the growth and development of purple basil plants during the growing season. Compared to the control sample, the germination and biometric indicators of basil were higher when using PLA/NR substrates. The production of basil’s photosynthetic pigments also increased. While using PLA/NR fabrics with a rubber content of 10 and 15 wt.%, the number of chlorophyll a was enhanced by 1.8–2.2 times and chlorophyll b by 2.5–3.2 times. In the process of the hydrolytic and enzymatic degradation of the polymer matrix, organic compounds are formed that provide additional nutrition for basil plants. Non-woven PLA/NR composites became brittle after the experiment. The PLA/NR morphology, structure, and rheological properties changed, which indicates the course of biodegradation processes in the polymer matrix.