Journal of Medicinal Plants (Dec 2009)
Qualitative and Quantitative Changes in the Aerial Parts of Borage under Foliar Application of Calcium Nitrate
Abstract
Background: Borage (Borago officinalis L.) is a valuable medicinal plant of Boraginaceae family, which is used in treatment of different human diseases. Therefore, it is necessary to determine optimum levels of agronomical factors affecting plant growth and production. Objective: To determine the effects of foliar application of calcium nitrate on quantitative yield and some quality components of borage. Methods: This study was done in Research farm of ACECR, Institute of Medicinal Plants Research in a randomized complete block design with three replications and four treatments along 2008 - 2009. The treatments were four concentrations of Ca(NO3)2 foliar application (0, 5, 10 and 15 mM Calcium Nitrate). Results: The results showed that foliar application of calcium nitrate had significant effects (p<0.01) on plant height, dry matter yield of aerial parts and flowers, chlorophyll content and content of total phenol and tannins. With increasing concentrations of calcium nitrate, these parameters increased and the highest amount of them were observed at 15 mM Ca(NO3)2. Conclusion: The application of calcium nitrate had positive effects on growth and yield of borage. Also, the qualitative and quantitative yield of borage aerial parts increased with increasing concentration of calcium nitrate.
