How geographical differences may affect the uptake of nutrients by the wild populations of pennyroyal [Mentha longifolia.(L.), Huds]

Publication date: June 2018
Source:CATENA, Volume 165
Author(s): Mohammad Mohammadi, Hossein Ali Asadi-Gharneh
How the growth and the nutritional value of medicinal plants are affected by different factors, is an important investigation for the domestication and production of efficient medicinal plants. Accordingly, a research work was proposed to determine how the uptake of nutrients including phosphorous (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn) and copper (Cu) in pennyroyal [Mentha longifolia.(L.), Huds] may be affected by geographical differences such as longitude, latitude, and the height above the sea level as well as the soil properties. One of the wealthiest (medicinal plants) Iranian provinces, namely Ilam, was selected for the experiment using the following 10 ecotypes: Siahkal, Helaesm, Alamdar, Kolm, Mishkhas, Chenarbashi, Jan Jan, Chalimar, Sarab and Sang Sefid Using the standard analytical methods including wet chemistry and the use of atomic absorption spectrophotometer, the concentrations of different nutrients were determined in plant samples. The soil samples were also analysed for acidity, salinity, organic matter, and texture. The results indicated that geographical differences and soil properties significantly affected the concentrations of nutrients in pennyroyal. Chalimar, JanJan, Kolm, Alamdar, and Mishkhas were among the most productive ecotypes with respect to the concentrations of plant nutrients. The concentrations of nutrients were in the following ranges: P (0.24–0.47%), K (1.00–2.49%), Ca (0.91–1.95%), Mg (0.30–0.95%), Fe (587.50–1637.50 mg/kg), Zn (35.00–73.75 mg/kg), Mn (62.50–117.50 mg/kg) and Cu (15.00–22.50 mg/kg). Data were also subjected to cluster analysis, and the similar ecotypes, with respect to the concentrations of the nutrients, were grouped. It is possible to find the most nutritious and productive ecotypes for domestication and production purposes as affected by geographical differences and soil properties. The other important point related to the significance of this research work is that the concentrations of nutrients in pennyroyal can importantly affect its nutritional and medicinal values.



http://ift.tt/2FRgqE9