Study of photosynthetic pigments and flavonoid compounds content in Salvia officinalis L. phytomass

Abstract

The study of the pigment apparatus (chlorophylls, carotenoids) and flavonoids will allow to reveal the plants adaptation mechanisms, which subsequently can be used in ecological and biochemical studies. The purpose of the study is to determine the content of the photosynthesis pigments (chlorophylls, carotenoids) and flavonoids in the phytomass of hydroponically grown garden sage (Salvia officinalis L.) compared with the sage grown the open soil. Two varieties of the garden sage were studied: ‘Dobrinya’ and ‘Kubanets’ from two different producers. The plants were grown hydroponically under two lighting regimes (red, blue and white LEDs and white LEDs). The open-soil plant specimens (‘Kubanets’ by Johnsons, ‘Kubanets’ by Gavrish) were studied for comparison. SHIMADZU UV-1900i spectrophotometer was used to determine the pigments and flavonoids content. The study results regarding chlorophylls a, b and carotenoids in the phytomass showed the advantages of the hydroponic cultivation on the mineral wool substratum for ‘Kubanets’ by Johnsons grown under colored LEDs, ‘Kubanets’ by Gavrish grown under white and colored LEDs, and ‘Dobrinya’ variety grown under colored LEDs. In general the colored lighting is found to be more favorable than the white one for chlorophyll accumulation when the plants are cultivated in hydroponic systems. The higher content of carotenoids was observed under white LEDs for ‘Kubanets’ by Gavrish and ‘Kubanets’ by Johnsons. The flavonoids accumulation was more intensive in the open soil and under white LEDs in the hydroponics.