Influence of 28-homobrassinolide on growth, photosynthesis metabolite and essential oil content of geranium [Pelargonium graveolens (L.) Herit]

Abstract

In this study, effect of 28-homobrassinolide on growth, metabolite content and essential oil production of geranium [Pelargonium graveolens (L.) Herit] was studied. 28-homobrassinolide increased plant growth by the amplification of photosynthetic rate and by the enzyme stimulation growth was increased. The growth promotion was associated with elevated levels of chlorophyll pigments, nucleic acids, soluble proteins, reducing sugars, non-reducing sugars and starch. 28-homobrassinolide at 3 μM concentration caused significant increase in essential oil content. The results suggest the potentiality of 28-homobrassinolide in enhancing plant growth. © 2008 Academic Journals Inc.