How Coriander Grows with Various Fertilizers and Weeds

Jim Crocker
15th March, 2024

How Coriander Grows with Various Fertilizers and Weeds

Image Source: Natural Science News, 2024

Key Findings

  • In Shahed University's study, weed-free conditions led to higher coriander fruit yields, especially in the Ethiopia genotype
  • Using urea fertilizer increased the oil content in coriander fruits, beneficial for health and industrial uses
  • The Nahavandi genotype of coriander showed a significant increase in palmitic acid when fertilized with urea
Coriander, a plant with a long history in culinary and traditional medicine, has recently been the focus of scientific research due to its potential health benefits, particularly in the realm of cardiovascular health[2]. This herb, scientifically known as Coriandrum sativum, is not only valued for its flavor but also for the phytochemicals it contains, which have shown promising effects in various health-related areas. A recent study conducted by Shahed University[1] has delved into the agricultural aspects of coriander, specifically looking at how different fertilization methods and weed management can impact the yield and quality of coriander fruits, which are the main carrier of the plant's beneficial oils. The study's findings have significant implications for both the agricultural and health sectors, as they provide insights into optimizing coriander production for both quantity and quality. Coriander's oil is particularly notable for its high content of petroselinic acid, a unique fatty acid with potential industrial and health applications[3][4]. The composition of this oil, including the balance of petroselinic, linoleic, and palmitic acids, is essential in determining its value and suitability for different uses. The Shahed University study explored how two types of nitrogen fertilizers—sulfur-coated urea, which releases nitrogen slowly, and common urea—affected the growth of three coriander genotypes under conditions with and without weeds. Weeds are a common problem in agriculture, competing with crops for nutrients and thus potentially reducing yield. The researchers found that both nitrogen fertilization and weed management significantly influenced the weight of the seeds and the fruit yield. Under weed-free conditions, the Ethiopia genotype of coriander produced the highest fruit yield. Nitrogen fertilization, particularly with urea, increased the oil content in the fruits of the Nahavandi and Pishgam genotypes, with the former showing the highest increase in palmitic acid content. These findings are consistent with previous research suggesting that the type of fertilizer and its application rate can significantly affect the phytochemical properties of medicinal plants, such as Echinacea purpurea[5]. The use of nitrogen slow-release fertilizers, for example, has been shown to enhance the growth and phytochemical content of E. purpurea, pointing to the importance of tailored fertilization strategies in the cultivation of plants with medicinal value. The study from Shahed University not only confirms the importance of fertilizer type in the cultivation of coriander but also demonstrates that effective weed management can lead to higher yields of fruit, which in turn results in a greater quantity of valuable oil. The increase in oil content and the resulting fatty acid composition, especially the levels of petroselinic acid, have important implications for the potential health benefits and industrial uses of coriander oil. In conclusion, the research highlights the intricate relationship between agricultural practices and the phytochemical yield of coriander. By understanding and optimizing these practices, it is possible to improve both the quantity and quality of coriander fruits and their oil, thereby enhancing the economic and health potential of this versatile plant. The study builds upon previous findings and contributes to a growing body of knowledge that supports the development of more efficient and effective agricultural techniques for medicinal plants.

Plant ScienceAgricultureSpices

References

Main Study

1) Coriander response to nitrogen fertilizer sources in different competing levels of weeds.

Published 15th March, 2024

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e26816

Related Studies

2) Coriandrum sativum L.: A Review on Ethnopharmacology, Phytochemistry, and Cardiovascular Benefits.

https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27010209

3) Fatty acid composition and oil content during coriander fruit development.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodchem.2020.127034

4) Characterization of French Coriander Oil as Source of Petroselinic Acid.

https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules21091202

5) Improving growth properties and phytochemical compounds of Echinacea purpurea (L.) medicinal plant using novel nitrogen slow release fertilizer under greenhouse conditions.

https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-020-70949-4


Related Articles

An unhandled error has occurred. Reload 🗙