2018, Vol. 6, Issue 4, Part C

author(s)
HMF Swaefy and AZ Sabh

abstract
Two field experiments were conducted during the two successive seasons of 2015/2016 and 2016/2017, at Faculty of Agriculture, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt. The aim of this study is to determine the best propagation method of Rubia tinctorum L. plant (seed or division) which leads to the highest productivity of the roots, as well as to investigate the effect of three different sources of potassium on the total content of anthraquinones. The results clarified that there were significant differences between plants grown from seed and division in the root fresh and dry weights. The plants propagated by division produced roots yield more than that produced by seed propagation with a significant difference when harvested at the age of 14 months. Young roots (7 months) had a total content of anthraquinones (mmol / g f. w.) higher than the older ones. The treatment of 24 g ammonium sulfate plus 15 g wood ash per plant had a superior effect on roots yield and the total content of anthraquinones. The root anatomical structure supported the plant growth parameters.