Enhancing Growth, Yield, and Phytochemical Characteristics of Dracocephalum kotschyi Boiss through Optimized Planting Density | ||
| Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology | ||
| Article 9, Volume 27, Issue 5, July and August 2025, Pages 1093-1108 PDF (1.31 M) | ||
| Document Type: Original Research | ||
| DOI: 10.48311/jast.2025.16827 | ||
| Authors | ||
| Sahar Zamani1; Davood Bakhshi* 1; Mohammad-Taghi Ebadi2; Amir Sahraroo1; Mehran Fathi1 | ||
| 1University of Guilan | ||
| 2Tarbiat Modares University | ||
| Abstract | ||
| Dracocephalum kotschyi Boiss. is a medicinal plant used in various industries due to its high health benefits, antioxidant activity, attractive flavor and aroma. Commercial yield and phytochemicals can be enhanced by cultivation management like suitable plant density. This study investigates the impact of planting density (50×40, 25×40, 12.5×40 cm caused to 5, 10, and 20 plants m-2) on the morpho-physiological traits, yield, trichomes, and phytochemicals profiles of D. kotschyi, based on a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) in the Saravarsu region, Guilan province, Iran (2021-2022). The findings reveal a notable fourfold increase in various traits in 20 plants m-2 (12.5×40 cm). The highest values for parameters such as plant height (34.66 cm), branch number (14), branch length (9.34 cm), leaf number (138.33), leaf area index (105 mm2), fresh weights of leaves, and stems, as well as total fresh weight (105.1, 98.5, and 203.6 g m-2 respectively), dry weights of leaves, stems, total dry yield (26.1, 24.675, and 50.775 g m-2 respectively), chlorophyll a, b, total chlorophyll, and carotenoid content (1.038, 0.653, 1.691, and 0.898 mg g-1 FW, respectively), secretory trichomes density (14 mm-2), essential oil content and yield (0.633% and 0.322 g m-2, respectively), PAL activity (10.221 nmol g-1 FW min-1), antioxidant activity (82.85%), total phenol (1.253 mg g-1 DW), and total flavonoid (2.781 mg g-1 DW) were observed in 20 plants m-2. In conclusion, a planting density of 20 plants m-2 (with spacing 12.5×40 cm) is recommended for achieving optimal commercial yield, and phytochemical production of D. kotschyi in the Saravarsu region. | ||
| Keywords | ||
| Essential oil; Glandular trichomes; Medicinal plants; Cultivation management; Secondary metabolites | ||
| References | ||
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