2021 Volume 75 Issue 1 Pages 41-46
Effects of nutrient solution concentration on the growth and leaf chemical constituents of Artemisia princeps (Ibuki-yomogi) were investigated by cultivating the plant hydroponically under four different nutrient solution concentrations (25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% of the full strength). Even when concentration of nutrient solution was reduced to 25%, no significant differences were observed regarding shoot growth compared to all other treatments. Furthermore, as the concentration of nutrient solution decreased, the leaf nitrate content decreased, and leaf vitamin C, chlorogenic acid and total polyphenol contents tended to increase. These results indicated that the quality of Ibuki-yomogi as a functional food material was improved without growth reduction by the reduced nutrient solution concentration. Therefore, we concluded that nutrient solution of about 25% strength is adequate for hydroponic cultivation of Ibuki-yomogi plants, although management of nutrient solution pH and concentration during hydroponics should be noted due to the risk for pH increase and reduction of some mineral contents.
