Journal of
Ecology and The Natural Environment

  • Abbreviation: J. Ecol. Nat. Environ.
  • Language: English
  • ISSN: 2006-9847
  • DOI: 10.5897/JENE
  • Start Year: 2009
  • Published Articles: 408

Full Length Research Paper

Influence of Zn stresses on growth and physiology in Khus-khus (Vetiveria zizanoides Nash.) and its essential sesquiterpene oil(s), in relation to roots diameter circumferential positions

A. Misra*, N. K. Srivastava and A. K. Srivastava
  Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, P. O. CIMAP, Kukrail Picnic Spot Road Lucknow – 226015, India.
Email: [email protected] or [email protected]

  •  Accepted: 08 November 2011
  •  Published: 31 January 2012

Abstract

Culturing Khus in controlled glasshouse condition in sand culture techniques for maximum essential monoterpene oil(s) was found (0.21%) in young developed middle position circumferences of roots. At middle position of leaf, net photosynthetic rate and contents of chlorophyll (Chl) were affected. The maximum peroxidase activity was obtained at the middle position of leaf and roots circumferences area, with the maximum production of biomolecule of khusimol and khusinol at 250 mg Zn/L. The maximum monoterpene oil(s) (0.21%) was also found at middle position of developed roots. However, the relative contents of khusimol and Khusinol varied at different circumference area of positions. As a result of different root developmental positions, the contents of Fe, Mn, Zn and Cu were smaller in quantity in Vetiver. Their maximum contents were observed at middle positions of developed roots. Thus, the value addition of essential monoterpene oil(s) seems to be used for commercial exploitation at large scales, to be for the collection of developed roots position at middle levels (roots area of 5th positions developments) and for better quality of total essential oil of Khus.

 

Key words: Chlorophyll, dry mass, leaf area, net photosynthetic rate, plant height, saccharides, Zn.