Study on the optimum nutrient solution concentration for the growth of Mint (Mentha genus)

Abstract

Mint (Mentha genus) is an herbaceous herb that is fragrant useful for centuries with spices and medicinal herbs. Study on optimum nutrient solution sufficient to meet the plants’ demands regarding soilless culture of mint would be helpful for its application in plant factory, but was less reported. In the current study, 0.5 fold (×), 0.75×, 1.0× and 1.25× concentrations of Yamazaki formula nutrient solution were applied to culture the mint seedlings using river sand as the substrate. The results showed that 0.75× concentration of nutrient solution was optimum for mint seedlings across 15 to 36 days treatments, which dramatically promoted the growth rates, enhanced the content of chlorophyll, and improved yield as well as quality, followed by other desirable concentrations, ranking as 0.5×> 1.0×> 1.25× times, on growth of mint were distinct. Therefore, we concluded that the optimum concentration for mint seedling growth was 0.75× concentration, and highlighted the importance of using Yamazaki formula nutrient solution for mint seedlings growth, which potentially guides soilless cultivation of mint. Key words: Mint, Japanese raw materials, nutrition, hydroponics.