Foliar Iron and Zinc Modulate the Qualitative and Nutritional Status of <i>Sideritis cypria</i> with Diverse Rates of Phosphorus in Hydroponic Cultivation
The increasing demand for medicinal and aromatic plants has expanded their cultivation. Concurrently, the utilization of <i>Sideritis</i> species has also increased, including under-evaluated species such as <i>S. cypria</i> Post. This study evaluated the impact of phosphorus...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
MDPI AG
2025-05-01
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| Series: | Agronomy |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4395/15/5/1178 |
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| Summary: | The increasing demand for medicinal and aromatic plants has expanded their cultivation. Concurrently, the utilization of <i>Sideritis</i> species has also increased, including under-evaluated species such as <i>S. cypria</i> Post. This study evaluated the impact of phosphorus (P: 50, 75, and 100 mg L<sup>−1</sup>) concentrations in hydroponic nutrient solution (NS), and foliar applications with iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn), to assess <i>S. cypria</i> yield and quality. Although fresh biomass was unaffected, reduced (50 mg L<sup>−1</sup>) and increased (100 mg L<sup>−1</sup>) P levels decreased dry matter content (DM). Furthermore, Zn spraying at 50 mg P L<sup>−1</sup> increased DM by 10.2% compared to H<sub>2</sub>O sprayed plants. Increased P with foliar control reduced chlorophylls content by 45.6%, while foliar Zn negated this effect, increasing it by 71.9%. Leaf P accumulation was also reduced (up to 49.8%) under increased P levels, while foliar Fe modulated this response. Foliar applications enriched leaves with Fe and Zn. However, P levels determined the success of Zn biofortification. Intermediate (75 mg L<sup>−1</sup>) P levels decreased the phenolics content (up to 240%) and flavonoids (up to 190%), exhibiting reduced antioxidant activity and increased lipid peroxidation. In contrast, foliar applications regulated this effect, leading to reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. Increased P levels enhanced the antioxidant capacity of plants, causing a 184% decrease in H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub> contents under foliar control. Finally, a significant antibacterial activity was presented by the application of intermediate and increased P levels, regardless of foliar applications. Ultimately, the tailored NS provide sufficient <i>S. cypria</i> yield and quality, while foliar Fe and Zn can be successfully implemented to improve the nutritional status of <i>S. cypria</i>, through appropriate P management. |
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| ISSN: | 2073-4395 |