Enhancing the yield of target tissue and secondary metabolites in Calendula officinalis L., a medicinal plant.

Medicinal crops can be usefully studied in controlled hydroponic systems in which various factors can be manipulated to increase target plant tissue yield and secondary metabolite production. In this project floral tissue and other plant organs of the medicinal plant Calendula officinalis and four important secondary metabolites: quercetin, rutin, isorhamnetin-3-O-glucoside and isorhamnetin-3-rutinoside were quantified under contrasting conditions in terms of phosphorus concentration, rate of nutrient supply and simulated foliar herbivory in a factorial experimental design. The objectives were to identify conditions that will maximize the yield of target plant tissue, maximize the production of secondary metabolites and minimize the variation in that value. Phosphorus concentration was varied because this nutrient is important for plant growth, particularly during flower production. Nutrient supply rates used in this study sought to minimize nutrient deficiencies and growth fluctuations. Selected plants in the study were also subjected to a clipping treatment, as numerous studies have shown that herbivory can induce increased growth ( overcompensation ) and potentially to stimulate secondary metabolite production. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)Dept. of Biological Sciences. Paper copy at Leddy Library: Theses & Major Papers - Basement, West Bldg. / Call Number: Thesis2002 .S74. Source: Masters Abstracts International, Volume: 42-01, page: 0150. Adviser: Lesley Lovett-Doust. Thesis (M.Sc.)--University of Windsor (Canada), 2003