Effect of seaweed on growth parameters, total phenolic and antioxidant substance in echinacea (Echinacea purpurea L.) under drought stress

Abstract

This study was carried out to determine the effects on biochemical changes with growth parameters of seaweed (Ascophyllum nodosum) extract applications (control, 2, 4 and 6 cc l-1) and drought stress at the different osmotic pressure (control,-0.5 MPa,-1.0 MPa and-1.5 MPa) generated by PEG 6 000 in echinacea. In this study, root length, shoot length, root and shoot fresh weight, root and shoot dry weight, total antioxidant and total phenolic content of echinacea plant were investigated. As a result of the research; it was decreased the root fresh and dry weight, shoot fresh and dry weight, root and shoot length of drought stress. It was determined caused to increase total antioxidant substance amount. Drought stress did not have a significant effect on total phenolic content. It has been reduced with seaweed applications the negative effects on the plant of drought stress. It has been positive and increasing the effects on examined parameters such as root length, shoot length, root and shoot fresh weight, root and shoot dry weight of seaweed applications while seaweed application did not affect at the significant level as statistically total antioxidant and the phenolic substance amount.