Effect of nitrogen fertilizer to the flavonoid content of red amaranth (Amaranthus gangeticus L.)

Abstract

Red amaranth (Amaranthus gangeticus L.) is a vegetable that has been frequently consumed. Flavonoid compounds are very usefull to the health, such as antioxidant, anticancer and antibacterial. Biosynthesis of flavonoids in the plant is influenced by environmental factors, one of which is a nutrient that is nitrogen. Enhanced shoot growth and decrease in flavonoid content under high nitrogen supply was observed. This study aimed to determine the effect of nitrogen fertilizer on the content of flavonoids in red amaranth leaves. In this research, red amaranth seed planting with the addition of nitrogen fertilizers of different concentrations (0%, 2%, 4%, 6%, 8% and 10%) from week 1 through week 5. The leaves are harvested to extract and analyze the content of flavonoids with aluminum chloride method. The parameters measured were the growth of a red amaranth plant height, number of leaves, leaf width, and content of flavonoids. The results showed that nitrogen fertilizer application significantly increases the growth and flavonoids in red amaranth.

Keywords

• red amaranth
• nitrogen fertilizer
• flavonoid content.