Pilot Cultivation of the Vulnerable Cretan Endemic Verbascum arcturus L. (Scrophulariaceae): Effect of Fertilization on Growth and Quality Features

Abstract

The domestication of wild-growing plants, including cultivation and fertilization protocols, is able to alleviate the ecological risks posed by the uncontrolled harvesting of range-restricted local endemic plants. In this field study focused on Verbascum arcturus, a vulnerable local endemic of Crete (Greece), the effect of two kinds of fertilization applied by two methods (foliar/root) was investigated. The foliar application included conventional or integrated nutrient management (INM) fertilization. Root application included the application of conventional fertilizers, biostimulants, or INM with biostimulants. Several properties of plant growth, physiology and nutrition were determined. The results showed that fertilization treatment affected neither leaf color and shape nor plant growth, morphology, dry mass partitioning or nutrient content. However, both kinds of foliar-applied fertilization enhanced Zn and B in leaves and soil-applied biostimulant increased leaf Ca. Considering both chlorophyll and antioxidant compounds’ content, foliar application of the INM fertilizers, as well as soil application of the conventional fertilizers or biostimulants, could be considered as accepted options. This study reports for the first time an assessment of the total phenolic and flavonoids content evidenced in V. arcturus and encourages the use of fertilization in promoting the herbal antioxidant profile without compromising visual quality or yield. The findings of this study could be considered as a documented contribution toward the sustainable exploitation of V. arcturus.

Improvement of Plant Responses by Nanobiofertilizer: A Step towards Sustainable Agriculture

“…They also enhance the quality of crops, i.e., the production of secondary metabolites such as enzymatic (catalase, superoxide dismutase, and peroxidase) and nonenzymatic antioxidants (Phenols and flavonoids) is increased. These metabolites increase the shelf life of vegetables and fruits and have various health benefits [ 121 ]. The synergistic mechanism of action of biofertilizer and nanoparticles gives intensified responses when applied to plants.…”

Potency of Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles, Sodium Hydrogen Sulfide and Salicylic Acid in Ameliorating the Depressive Effects of Water Deficit on Periwinkle Ornamental Quality

“…Moreover, the equilibrium between the generation and detoxification of reactive oxygen species (ROS) is commonly disturbed when water is limiting [3,5]. Catalase (CAT) and peroxidase (POD) are main ROS scavenging enzymes, while carotenoids are major non-enzymatic antioxidant metabolites [8,9]. Excessive generation of ROS stimulates a range of damaging effects, such as lipid peroxidation and coupled electrolyte leakage [10,11].…”

Pilot Cultivation of the Local Endemic Cretan Marjoram Origanum microphyllum (Benth.) Vogel (Lamiaceae): Effect of Fertilizers on Growth and Herbal Quality Features

“…This study represents the first step to bring in cultivation the Cretan marjoram O. microphyllum (Critically Endangered Cretan local endemic), evaluating the fertilization which is optimal for both plant growth and herbal quality. In this direction, the possibility of using organic fertilizer in place of conventional ones was pursued owing to both the lower environmental impact, and the possibility of future certification as 'organic' or 'environmentally friendly' product, either of which is valuable and well-appreciated in the value chains of herbal material markets [49][50][51]. Cretan marjoram is currently valued locally by people in western Crete for its strong sweet scent, calming and anti-spasmodic properties and therefore it is occasionally traded at local markets in dried form derived from wild-harvested mountainous populations [12].…”