ABSTRACT
The influences of different fertilizers and weather conditions during three experimental years (2016–2018) on the morpho-physiological and phytochemical characteristics and some nutrients in the flowers of damask rose (Rosa damascena Mill.) were investigated at the field. The fertilizers had significant effects on the studied traits and concentrations of nutrients in the flowers. The highest values of dry and wet weights of the flowers were obtained from the application of N-P-K, horse manure, and vermicompost at the third experimental year. The maximum amounts of photosynthesis pigments were obtained from vermicompost and chemical fertilizers at the first year; however, the total anthocyanin amount in N-P-K fertilizer at the third year was higher than other treatments. Vermicompost treatment had the highest contents of total phenolic and carotenoids. The maximum total flavonoids were obtained from horse manure, N-P-K, and vermicompost at the third year. The highest concentrations of Zn, Cu, Fe, and Mn in the flowers were achieved from the plants treated by N-P-K and vermicompost during three years. In conclusion, for increasing yield in damask rose and achieve to sustainable production system of this aromatic plant, the use of organic fertilizers especially horse manure and vermicompost is recommended at the semiarid climate.
Acknowledgments
The authors would like to thank Deputy of Research and Technology, Shahrekord Branch, I.A.U, Shahrekord, Iran.
Author contributions
BH and AGP envisaged and designed the experiment; BH performed the experiments and laboratory analyses; AGP analyzed the data; AGP supervised the experimental work; FR assisted in the experimental work; AGP and FR reviewed the design and performed language editing and critical reading of the manuscript. All the authors have read the manuscript and agreed to submit it in its current form for publication in the Journal.
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).