Effect of nitrogen and potassium fertilizer on herbage and oil yield of chervil plant (Anthriscus cerefolium L.)

Abstract Arid regions in Egypt are characterized by poor nutrients and unfavorable environmental conditions which negatively affect growth and productivity of medicinal and aromatic plants including Anthriscus cerefolium L. Thus, the main objective of the present investigation was to study the effect of different levels of NK fertilizers, on the morphological and biochemical characteristics of this plant under arid regions conditions. The effects of NP on the growth (fresh weight and dry weight of herb) were measured and quantitative analysis of essential oils and photosynthetic pigments content of chervil were performed. The results indicated that, N and/or K fertilizer increased herb and essential oil yield as well as photosynthetic pigments comparing with control. The main constituents of essential oil (methyleugenol, estragole, 2-allyl-1,4-dimethoxybenzene) were affected by fertilizers treatments.