Effect of N fertilization on morphological, physiological, and essential oil content in rosemary

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) is a perennial, evergreen aromatic plant with important commercial interest as it contains numerous essential oils (composed of terpenoid compounds) and phenolic constituents (natural antioxidant compounds). The interest in rosemary cultivation has increased in recent years because of its important effects on human and animal health. In addition, rosemary is a crop species which is well adapted to dry land conditions. In addition, nitrogen (N), one of the most essential nutrients for rosemary, is often applied to increase crop yield and improve product quality. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of Ν fertilization on morphological and physiological characteristics, and on the essential oil in Rosemary. The experiment was conducted in Thessaloniki, Greece, during the growing season 2021 – 2022 in a field with clay loam soil. Four treatments (control, 50 kg N ha-1, 100 kg N ha-1 and 150 kg N ha-1) were tested. Nitrogen fertilization affected the Leaf Area Index (LAI) and the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI). Also, nitrogen fertilization had a significant effect on chlorophyll content, plant height, LAI and on essential oil content. This study provides some useful information about the effect of application of N fertilization on rosemary production, thus increasing our knowledge about the effect of N on crop production. This information can be used for better N management which can be used for cost effective application of fertilizers thereby leading to higher yield. However, the physiological basis of this effect remains unknown.

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Artikel online veröffentlicht:
12. Dezember 2022