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Plant Productions

Investigation of the effects of different application methods of amino acid–chelated micronutrient on growth, yield, and essential oil composition of coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.)

Document Type : Research Paper - Medicinal Aromatic Plants

Authors
Maryam Zolfaghari 1
Fariba Moradi 2
Shohreh Zivdar 2
1 Assistant Professor, Department of Horticultural Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran
2 M.Sc. Graduate, Department of Horticultural Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran
10.22055/ppd.2025.49830.2275
Abstract
Introduction
Balanced plant nutrition, particularly through the application of micronutrients, is fundamental to improving crop growth, yield, and quality. In calcareous and alkaline soils commonly found in arid and semi-arid regions, micronutrient availability and plant uptake are significantly reduced, thereby limiting agricultural productivity. Amino acid–chelated fertilizers provide an efficient and environmentally sustainable source of micronutrients by enhancing their bioavailability and uptake, ultimately promoting optimal plant nutrition.
 Materials and Methods
In this study, the effects of different application methods of amino acid–chelated fertilizers containing essential micronutrients on the growth, yield, phytochemical compounds, and essential oil quality of coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.), a medicinal plant were evaluated. The fertilizer treatments included foliar application, soil application, combined foliar and soil application, and an untreated control. The experiment was conducted in 2019 at the research farm of Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz using a randomized complete block design with four treatments and four replications. Morphological traits, yield components, and essential oil content were measured at two distinct phenological stages, and the essential oil compounds were identified and quantified using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS).
 Results and Discussion
Analysis of variance revealed that amino acid–chelated fertilizer application had statistically significant effects on most measured traits of coriander. At the 5% significance level, amino chelate treatments significantly increased plant height, number of umbels per plant, and fresh and dry biomass. Moreover, at the 1% significance level, thousand-seed weight, total seed yield, and essential oil content in both vegetative tissues and seeds were highly significantly affected by amino chelate application. The combined soil and foliar application produced the greatest improvements, resulting in the highest plant height (130 cm) compared with the control (113 cm), as well as maximum fresh (211 g) and dry (42 g) biomass. This treatment also significantly increased the number of umbels (100) and umbellets (806), whereas the control treatment recorded the lowest values. In addition, the combined application resulted in the highest essential oil percentage (0.35%) and essential oil yield (2.33 g m⁻²) in coriander seeds. The enhancement of essential oil traits under amino chelate application was associated with improved micronutrient availability and stimulation of secondary metabolite biosynthesis. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) analysis identified approximately 30 essential oil constituents, with eight major compounds including α-pinene, β-pinene, p-cymene, linalool, camphor, geranyl acetate, γ-terpinene, and camphene. Fertilizer application method significantly influenced the essential oil profile; foliar application increased monoterpene hydrocarbons such as α-pinene and β-pinene, whereas the combined treatment enhanced γ-terpinene content and uniquely induced the presence of camphene. The observed increases in umbels, umbellets, and biomass under amino chelate treatments was likely due to improved nutrient supply, enhanced photosynthetic efficiency, and greater assimilate production, leading to increased dry matter accumulation. These findings are consistent with previous studies on medicinal plants and highlight the effectiveness of amino acid–chelated fertilizers, particularly combined soil and foliar application, in improving growth, yield, and essential oil composition of coriander.
 Conclusion
In conclusion, amino chelate fertilizers, particularly when applied through a combined method of foliar spraying and fertigation, are recommended as an effective approach to enhance the growth, yield, quality, and essential oil composition of coriander. By ensuring optimal nutrient supply and stimulating key biochemical processes, these fertilizers improve seed performance and promote the production of higher-quality essential oils.
Keywords
Biological yield
Essential oil profile
Foliar spraying
Micronutrient
Subjects
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Plant Productions
Volume 48, Issue 4
Winter 2026
Pages 607-624