Articles
ESSENTIAL OIL PRODUCTION AND QUALITY OF MENTHA ARVENSIS L. GROWN IN NUTRIENT SOLUTIONS
Article number
548_19
Pages
181 – 188
Language
English
Abstract
Production and quality of Mentha arvensis L. essential oil grown in pots irrigated with eleven nutrient solutions were evaluated.
The objective of this work was to determine the components of a nutrient solution for commercial use which would allow maximum oil yield and high menthol content.
An automatic solution dispenser system was specially developed.
The system consisted of a group of reservoirs equipped with individual pumps and eletric buoys.
A modified Hoagland # 1 solution was the starting point for the formulation of testing solutions and was also used as control.
Ten solutions were prepared from the basic solution.
Double and half strength solutions for N, P, K, Ca and Mg were prepared in such a way that the plants were grown in solutions containing three concentrations of each nutrient focused in this study.
Growth, nutrient content and essential oil of the plants were evaluated.
High levels of N promoted increase in leaves weight, but less oil content (0,97%) with low menthol content.
Higher levels of Ca and Mg, and low level of P enhanced the leaves oil content (1,37; 1,52 and 1,41 respectively), without significant alterations in quality.
N and Mg important interactions were observed, affecting menthol content in the oil.
As the N levels rise, the menthol response to Mg contents in the solution is positive.
In solutions with low concentrations of N, the menthol content in the essential oil increases as the Mg concentration decreases (negative response).
The objective of this work was to determine the components of a nutrient solution for commercial use which would allow maximum oil yield and high menthol content.
An automatic solution dispenser system was specially developed.
The system consisted of a group of reservoirs equipped with individual pumps and eletric buoys.
A modified Hoagland # 1 solution was the starting point for the formulation of testing solutions and was also used as control.
Ten solutions were prepared from the basic solution.
Double and half strength solutions for N, P, K, Ca and Mg were prepared in such a way that the plants were grown in solutions containing three concentrations of each nutrient focused in this study.
Growth, nutrient content and essential oil of the plants were evaluated.
High levels of N promoted increase in leaves weight, but less oil content (0,97%) with low menthol content.
Higher levels of Ca and Mg, and low level of P enhanced the leaves oil content (1,37; 1,52 and 1,41 respectively), without significant alterations in quality.
N and Mg important interactions were observed, affecting menthol content in the oil.
As the N levels rise, the menthol response to Mg contents in the solution is positive.
In solutions with low concentrations of N, the menthol content in the essential oil increases as the Mg concentration decreases (negative response).
Authors
Nilson Borlina Maia, Odair Alves Bovi, Marcia Ortiz Mayo Marques, Newton do Prado Granja, Quirino Augusto Camargo Carmello
Keywords
Mentha, hydroponics, plant growth, menthol, limonene, menthone.
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