Fertilizer effect on the yield and terpene components from the flowerheads of Chrysanthemum boreale M. (Compositae)

Abstract

Chrysanthemum boreale M. is an important medicinal plant that has been historically used in natural medicine and in the food industry throughout East Asia. Most flowerheads used for food are taken from the wild. However, natural sources are limited and there is not enough to meet current demand. To fulfill current and future increasing demand, cultivation systems that produce a greater amount of flowerheads with good quality and yield are required. A field experiment was conducted during the growing seasons of 2000 and 2001 to determine the effects of fertilization treatments [without fertilizer (WF), NPK fertilizer (F), NPK plus lime (FL) and NPK plus swine manure (FS)] on flowerhead yield and the content of essential oils. Fertilizer application increased both flowerheads and essential oil yields in both growing seasons. In addition, the contents of terpene, monoterpenoids and sesquiterpenoids were improved only in FL as compared with WF or F treatments. Yield ha -1 of cumambrin A, a sesquiterpene compound exhibiting blood-pressure regulating activity, was increased by all fertilization treatments, but its concentration in the flowerheads was only increased by FL treatment. Cumambrin A and calcium contents were correlated in flower parts of C. boreale M. This suggests adding calcium could increase the yields and quality of C. boreale M. In general, the correct fertility regime could increase both flowerhead production and concentration of health-promoting substances.