Effect of Zinc Application on Growth and Some Biochemical Characteristics of Costmary (<i>Chrysanthemum balsamita</i>L.)

Abstract

A pot experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of different zinc (Zn) application methods (soil and foliar application) and concentrations (1 and 2 mg kg−1 in soil application and 1 and 3 g L−1 in foliar application) on the growth, some biochemical characteristics, and nutrient concentrations of costmary (Chrysanthemum balsamita L.). Growth parameters were increased by zinc application regardless of its concentration and application method. Protein and total phenol content, antioxidant capacity, and chlorophyll index were increased by zinc supply. In contrast, proline and soluble sugars content showed a decreasing pattern with zinc application. Zinc application, either through soil or foliar application, increased the zinc content of shoots. Manganese uptake potential of plants was increased by foliar zinc application method but not by soil application of zinc. Zinc application had no significant effect on potassium content of plants.