Change in agronomic characteristics and essential oil composition of coriander after application of foliar fertilizers and biostimulators

Abstract

Nowadays the biologically active substances are very attractive, because they are harmless and ecological friendly. Their application is not only economically profitable, but also improves the action of the fertilizers and increases the yields. The study aims to investigate the effect of some foliar fertilizers and biostimulators on the elements of productivity, seed yield and the essential oil content and composition of Lozen 1 coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) cultivar. The field trial was carried out on leached Smolnitsa soil type in the region of the village of Zhrebino, South-Eastern Bulgaria in the period 2018–2020. The experiment was arranged according to the randomized complete block design in four replications with a plot size of 15 m2, after predecessor wheat. The treatment of coriander with the leaf fertilizer Masterblend in a dose of 2.5 kg ha-1 resulted in an average yield increase of 11.8% compared with the untreated control. After treatment with the foliar applied products an increase in the essential oil content from 2.9% to 9.6% was established, as the highest values were obtained when using the biostimulator Fertigrain – 1.26% and the foliar fertilizer Masterblend – 1.25%. The most frequent components of the essential oil were linalool, γ-terpinene, α-pinene and camphor. The highest values of linalool were observed after the application of the products Masterblend and Poly Plant. The used products stimulated the biological potential of the tested cultivar and could be recommended for further investigations by other essential oil crops.