Pomegranate peel modifies growth, essential oil and certain chemicals of sage (Salvia officinalis L.) herb

Abstract

Sage dry leaves are used to obtain natural raw products that are used in many purposes such as perfume, food and pharmaceutical industries. Using organic fertilizers is a way to overcome the harms of chemical fertilizers during cultivation and production of medicinal and aromatic plants (MAP). Pomegranate peel (PP) considered as organic fertilizer. In this trial, the impacts of PP formulations [powder (PF), water extract (WEF) and ethanol extract (EEF)] on growth and chemical composition of sage plant were evaluated in an attempt to replace chemical fertilizers with organic wastes. Sage plants were treated with various rates of PF, WEF, EEF and control (chemical fertilizers). ANOVA-1 was used to analyze the data. 6 g/L (WEF) gave the greatest values of fresh mass (68.5 g/plant), dry mass (18 g/plant), essential oil (EO) content (1.6%, v/w) and EO yield (28.8 ml/100 plants) during the second harvest. Oxygenated monoterpenes (OM, 62.3–74.3%) was the major chemical class of EO isolated under various PP treatments; while α-thujone (27–40.2%) was the major constituent. α-thujone and OM were varied in response to various formulations and their rates. Plants treated with 6 g/L (PF) produced the greatest values of total phenols (25.7%) and inhibition of free radical scavenging (70%) at second harvest. 4 g/pot (PF) and 4 g/L (WEF) produced the ultimate rates of total carbohydrates (25.7%) during the first harvest and total flavonoids (11.2 mg/g) at the second harvests. Different variations were found in NPK values and their uptakes due to PP formulations. It may be concluded that positive effects were found in the productivity of sage in response to PP applications.