Influence of nano-iron oxide and zinc sulfate on physiological characteristics of peppermint

ABSTRACT

To evaluate the impact of nano-iron oxide and zinc sulfate fertilizers on peppermint in field conditions, a factorial split experiment with two micro-nutrient fertilizers [Zinc (Zn) and Iron (Fe)] in RCBD with three replicates was conducted at University of Tehran, during 2014 and 2015. Fe at four levels (0, 0.25, 0.5, and 0.75 g L-1) and Zn at three levels (0, 2.5, and 5 g L-1) were applied. Fe and Zn fertilizer application significantly improved photosynthetic pigments, mineral nutrient content, essential oil concentration, and dry matter yield in peppermint. The highest iron content (1578.00 mg kg⁻¹) was achieved when 5 g L⁻¹ of Zn was applied along with 0.75 g L⁻¹ Fe. According to our results, the application of 2.5 g L⁻¹ of Zn plus 0.5 g L⁻¹ Fe fertilizers could be recommended to achieve the highest plant dry matter and essential oil yield.

KEYWORDS:

• Anthocyanin
• essential oil
• foliar application
• mineral content
• nano-iron oxide
• peppermint

Acknowledgments

This work was supported by the University of Tehran, Iran (Grant no. 7101014/1/01). We are thankful for the financial support of this project.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the University of Tehran [7101014/1/01].