Estresse por alumínio no orégano em cultivo hidropônico

Abstract

Oregano is an aromatic medicinal plant used throughout human history in order to preserve the properties of foods, being considered a natural antioxidant. This characteristic is associated with substances that are produced during their secondary metabolism, and such process is influenced by adverse factors to which the plant is submitted. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of aluminum stress on the production of biomass and secondary metabolites of oregano (Origanum vulgare L.) cultivated in a hydroponic system. The NFT culture system analyzed five doses of aluminum in the form of AlCl3.6H2O (0 - control; 1,25; 2,5; 3,25; 5 and 7 mgL-1 of nutrient solution) as treatments, in a completely randomized design, with four replications. At the end of the crop cycle the biomass production was evaluated to verify the influence on the secondary metabolism, the levels of free proline, total flavonoids and antioxidant activity. In addition, the accumulation of nutrients in the leaves was evaluated. The plants submitted to aluminum stress had a reduction in biomass production, flavonoid content and nutrient accumulation, with an increase in free proline content and antioxidant activity. Thus, it is possible to conclude that aluminum stress influences the production of biomass and the secondary metabolism of oregano.