The effect of different phosphorus doses on agronomic and quality characteristics of coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.)

Abstract

In a two-year study, under the environmental conditions of the plains of Mardin province in Turkey, the effects of different doses of phosphorus (0, 30, 60, 90, 120 kg ha-1) on the yield and quality characteristics of the coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) were examined. Plant characteristics such as plant height, number of branches, number of umbels, thousand seed weight and seed yield were examined, besides quality characteristics such as essential oil rate and composition. The essential oil was isolated with a Clevenger apparatus from mature fruits. Essential oil components were determined with Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The results revealed that phosphorus doses affect the plant characteristics of coriander including plant height, number of branches, number of umbels and thousand fruit weight with positive significance. Fruit yield was not affected significantly. Phosphorus doses had a significant positive effect on essential oil rate. Increasing phosphorus doses affected rates of α-pinene, geranyl acetate and camphor positively. However, Linalool and γ-terpinene were not affected by phosphorus doses significantly. The application of 120 kg phosphorus per hectare, which had the highest essential oil rate in both years, can be recommended in coriander farming.