Effects of Nitrogen and Calcium Carbonate on Growth, Rosmarinic Acid Content and Yield of Satureja hortensis L.

Abstract

Because of the presence of free phenolic acids, especially rosmarinic acid, extracts of Satureja hortensis L.possess antioxidant and antimicrobial activity. The production of rosmarinic acid by plant cells can be modifiedby many factors. In the present study, the changes induced by calcium carbonate and nitrogen application onrosmarinic acid content, plant growth, and yield of S. hortensis cv. Saturn were investigated. Nitrogenfertilization significantly increased plant height, fresh and dry weights of herb as well as rosmarinic acid contentand yield. CaCO3 treatments did not affect rosmarinic acid content or yield, while the fresh and dry weights ofherb were increased by applying 5 t ha-1 CaCO3.