Enhancement of Rose Scented Geranium Plant Growth, Secondary Metabolites, and Essential Oil Components through Foliar Applications of Iron (Nano, Sulfur and Chelate) in Alkaline Soils

Abstract

Iron (Fe) deficiency exists as a widespread nutritional disorder in alkaline and calcareous soils; therefore, Fe-enriching strategies may be used to overcome this issue. Field experiments were conducted with a randomized complete design with three replicates for evaluating the effectiveness of iron oxide nanoparticles (Fe-NPs) against traditional Fe compounds (sulfate or chelate), which have various shortcomings on Rose-scented geranium (RSG) herb in terms of plant growth, phytopharmaceuticales, essential oil (EO), and its constituents. Supplementation of Fe-sources considerably improved RSG plant growth and EO yield in the 1st and 2nd cut throughout the two seasons over non-treated control plants. A total of 11 compounds of RSG-EO were identified; the main constituents were citronellol, geraniol, and eugenol. The results indicate that EO composition was significantly affected by Fe-sources. Amendments of Fe-sources considerably augmented photosynthetic pigments, total carbohydrates, nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium, iron, manganese, zinc, phenols, flavonoids, and anthocyanin. Commonly, Fe-NPs with humic acid (Fe-NPs-HA) supplementation was superior to that of traditional sources. The highest values were recorded with spraying Fe-NPs-HA at 10 mg L−1 followed by 5 mg L−1, meanwhile, the lowest values were recorded in untreated control plants. Current findings support the effectiveness of nanoparticle treatment over Fe-sources for improving growth and yield while also being environmentally preferred in alkaline soil. These modifications possibly will be applicable to EO quality and its utilization in definite food and in medical applications.

The Impact of Chlorella vulgaris Fortification on the Nutritional Composition and Quality Characteristics of Beef Burgers

“…Pigments were determined according to [ 30 ] using 96% methanol and recording the absorbance at 666, 653, and 470 nm, and the concentrations of the pigments were calculated by the following equations: where A666, A653, and A470 nm are the absorbances at the indicated wavelengths.…”

Crop Nutrient Requirements and Advanced Fertilizer Management Strategies

“…In view of the cost for the producer, harm to humans, and the environmental use of chemical fertilizers, nanofertilizers are emerging as a promising alternative to conventional fertilizers through their positive roles in slow releases of nutrients into soils and enhanced nutrient use efficiencies. The use of nanofertilizers as new technology fertilizers was addressed by the study by El-Sonbaty et al [23], who evaluated the effectiveness of innovative iron (Fe) oxide nanoparticle fertilizer formulations (NPs) against traditional Fe compounds (sulfate or chelate) and on rose-scented geranium herbs in terms of plant growth, biochemical attributes, essential oil, and its constituents. The effects of Fe NPs on growth, secondary metabolites, and essential oil components of rose-scented geranium herbs are of great value for the application of nanomaterials in agriculture.…”

Plant Iron Research in African Countries: Current “Hot Spots”, Approaches, and Potentialities

“…Another study compared the effects of conventional Fe treatment (ferric sulfate or Fe-EDDHA) with Fe-NPs on the composition in essential oils (EOs) of rose-scented geranium ( Pelargonium graveolens ). This perennial plant is cultivated worldwide, for instance in Egypt, and it is used for cosmetic and perfume production; its EO composition is dependent on nutritional status, and treating plants with Fe-NPs and humic acid boosts EO production in a superior way with respect to the other Fe treatments [ 75 ]. Also, the effects of treatment of orange trees ( Citrus sinensis ) grown in Egypt with green Fe-NPs (produced from fresh leaves of Psidium guiaiava , commonly known as guava) were evaluated in comparison with other conventional Fe treatments (FeSO 4 , Fe-EDTA) [ 79 ].…”