Abstract

SCHROEDER, María A  and  BURGOS, Ángela M. Foliar bioconcentrations of mineral elements in Lippia alba (purple salvia). Rev Cubana Plant Med [online]. 2013, vol.18, n.4, pp. 555-566. ISSN 1028-4796.

Introduction: purple salvia is an aromatic shrub that grows wild in Central and South America. It is often found in gardens for ornamental purposes, due to its strong fragrance and medicinal and culinary properties. No studies were found about nutritional parameters for this species. Objectives: determine the foliar bioconcentrations of mineral elements in Lippia alba (Mill.) N. E. Br. ex Britton & P. Wilson, naturally growing in the bio-environment of the north of Corrientes province. Methods: an evaluation was conducted of foliar samples of Lippia alba of more than 2 years after planting. The variables analyzed were foliar concentrations of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, sulfur, zinc, copper, iron and manganese. Nitrogen was determined by the Kjeldahl method, phosphorus and sulfur by molecular absorption spectrometry, and the rest of the elements by atomic absorption spectrometry. Descriptive statistics tools were used for the analysis of results, which was based on the InfoStat program. Results: foliar bioconcentrations ranged between 2.39 and 2.33 % N, 0.2-0.4 % P, 1.0-3.0 % K, 0.12-0.49 % S, 150-300 ppm Fe, 150-300 ppm Mn, up to 50 ppm Zn, and up to 70 ppm Cu. Mean foliar concentrations of nitrogen, manganese and copper were higher in spring and summer months, and lower in autumn and winter months. Mean foliar concentrations of phosphorus and potassium remained stable throughout the 3 years. Concentration of sulfur, iron and zinc in leaves was higher in winter months. Conclusions: seasonal variations were found in the mean foliar concentrations studied.

Keywords : purple salvia; medicinal plants; nutritional status; Lippia alba.

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