Enhancing growth, productivity and artemisinin content of Artemisia annua L. Plant using seaweed extract and micronutrients

Abstract The farmers' improper use of chemicals and inorganic fertilizers to plant improve growth and productivity is harmful to the environment and human health. The use of bio-stimulants such as seaweed extract in agriculture could be an efficient and environmentally friendly alternative to inorganic fertilizers. The current study was conducted to evaluate the vegetative growth, essential oils, and chemical constituents of Artemisia annua L. plant, in response to different concentrations of seaweed extract and micronutrients as well as their combinations. Three levels of seaweed extract 0.0 (control), 2 and 4 mL/L and five combinations of micronutrients (control), (Fe + Zn), (Fe + Mn), (Mn + Zn) and (Fe + Mn + Zn) each at 150 ppm were used. The application of Fe + Mn + Zn each at 150 ppm combined with 4 mL/L seaweed extract caused a significant increase in the vegetative growth and chemical constituents, essential oil percentage and artemisinin content. The highest percentage of artemisinin recorded was 0.33 % and the major components were artemisia ketone, 1,8 cineole and ρ -pinene.