Light Absorption and Carotenoid Synthesis of Pot Marigold (Calendula officinalis L.) in Response to Phosphorous and Potassium Varying Levels

Mohammad SEDGHI, Alireza PIRZAD, Bahman AMANPOUR-BALANEJI
2011 Notulae Scientia Biologicae  
In order to provide additional information on the effects of elemental deficiency on factors that affect plant production in medicinal plants, a factorial field experiment as randomized complete block design was conducted on Calendula officinalis. Treatments were four phosphorus levels (P2O5) including 0, 40, 80 and 120 Kg ha-1 and four potassium levels (K2O) as 0, 50, 100 and 150 Kg ha-1. Results showed that applied treatments had significant effects on petal carotenoids and the highest amount
more » ... of ? - carotene obtained at 80 and 150 Kg ha-1 P2O5 and K2O, respectively. Effect of K2O on light interception and light use efficiency was significant and the highest radiation use efficiency achieved by applying 150 Kg ha-1 K2O. The highest yield of grain and dry flowers was recorded in the mixture of 80 and 150 Kg ha-1 P2O5 and K2O, respectively. In conclusion, using of K2O had greater effects on studied traits than P2O5.
doi:10.15835/nsb315463 fatcat:xvqagcsk25cnnjicah2a2a6c4y