Growth and photosynthesis of three henna (Lowsonia inermis L.) ecotypes at different planting densities

摘要

Lowsonia inermis L., commonly known as henna is a medium sized shrub, used for its medical and cosmetic virtue and is one of the chief sources of natural dye. The aim of this study was to examine the influence of planting density (25, 33.3, 50, and 100 plants m(-2)) and ecotype (Barn, Roodbar and Shandad) on growth indices, photosynthesis parameters and biomass production of henna. The experiments were carried out in two years (2015 and 2016, during February-November) and in two environments (Kerman and Shandad). The results indicated that the leaf dry yield, total dry yield, crop growth rate and leaf area index significantly (p & 0.01) increased with increasing in plant density while leaf dry weight, total dry weight, leaf area duration and biomass duration decreased. The highest planting density in combination with the Shandad ecotype produced the highest leaf area index. The crop growth rate and leaf area index of henna plants were higher in Shandad environment than Kerman environment. Multiple regression analysis showed that crop growth rate (in Shandad environment) and leaf area index (in Kerman environment) had the maximum effect on leaf dry yield of henna compared with the other measured parameters and might be effective means to increase leaf production of henna.