Published in Scientific Papers. Series B, Horticulture, Vol. LXVIII, Issue 1
Written by Zenzile KHETSHA
Previous studies have demonstrated that exogenous application of phytohormone-based biostimulants and subjecting aromatic plants to environmental stresses improves the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites. This experiment was laid out in a 5×2 factorial design, arranged in a randomised complete block design, and replicated three times to determine the effects of cytokinin (CK) on essential oil biosynthesis. Treatments consisted of four CK (221.6, 443.2, 664.8, 886.4 µM and control); and two varieties of rose geranium (Pelargonium graveolens L.): Reunion-type, and Madagascar-type. Analysis of variance and multivariate analysis showed that CK between 221.6 and 664.8 µM may improve the essential oil biosynthesis for the two varieties. Linalool and geranyl tiglate were increased by CK-886.4 µM following simulated wounding on the Bourbon-type, and Madagascar-type, respectively. This study demonstrated that the Bourbon type remains better than the Madagascar type. The author concludes that the application of CK-664.8 µM closer to harvest may improve the Rhodinol and essential oil biosynthesis of both varieties.
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