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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Oxford, Mississippi » Natural Products Utilization Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #302541
Title: Shade, irrigation, and nutrients affect flavanoid concentration and yield in American Skullcap.

Author
item SIMILIEN, ARSENE - Ministry Of Agriculture-Haiti
item SHANNON, DENNIS - Auburn University
item WOOD, WESLEY - Auburn University
item Rimando, Agnes
item KEMPPAINEN, BARBARA - Auburn University
item VAN SANTEN, EDZARD - Auburn University
item JOSHEE, NIRMAL - Fort Valley State University

Submitted to: Crop Science
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 1/23/2016
Publication Date: 3/28/2016
Publication URL: http://handle.nal.usda.gov/10113/5430226
Citation: Similien, A., Shannon, D.A., Wood, W.C., Rimando, A.M., Kemppainen, B., Van Santen, E., Joshee, N. 2016. Shade, irrigation and nutrient effects on favonoid concentration and yield of American Skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora L.). Crop Science. 56(3):1213–1224. 2016.doi:10.2135/cropsci2015.03.0186

Interpretive Summary: American skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora L.) is valued for its sedative properties that are associated with flavonoid compounds. Information on how growing conditions affect flavonoid content is lacking. A field study was therefore conducted to explore effects of light, irrigation and nutrient application on flavonoid concentration and yield. The above-ground plant parts were harvested, dried, and finely ground, then extracted with solvent. The extract was analyzed for flavonoid concentration. The flavonoid baicalin was present in highest concentration and yield, followed by baicalein; wogonin and chrysin were present in only small amounts. The flavonoid concentration was 26% higher in full sun, 20% higher with irrigation and 29% lower with added nutrients. Flavonoid yield was 26% higher under shade, 97% higher with irrigation and 44% higher with added nutrients.

Technical Abstract: American skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora L.) is valued for its sedative properties that are associated with flavonoids. Information on how growing conditions affect flavonoid content is lacking. A 2x2x3 factorial experiment was conducted in a randomized complete block design (r = 4) with a split plot restriction on randomization to explore effects of light, irrigation and nutrient application on flavonoid concentration and yield in American skullcap. Treatment factors were shade (40% shade vs. no shade), irrigation (applied at 30 kPa vs. no irrigation) and nutrients [no fertilizer vs. fertilizer (100 kg N, 68 kg P, 42 kg K ha-112) and chicken litter (100 kg N, 50 kg P, 123 kg K ha-113)]. Shade formed the main plot units; irrigation and nutrients were randomized within subplots. Above-ground biomass was harvested twice in both 2007 and 2008. Dried, finely ground samples were extracted and analyzed for flavonoid concentration using HPLC. The flavonoid baicalin was present in highest concentration and yield, followed by baicalein; wogonin and chrysin were present in only small amounts. Flavonoid concentration was 26% higher in full sun, 20% higher with irrigation and 29% lower with added nutrients. Significant interactions of shade x irrigation and shade x nutrients were also observed. Flavonoid yield was 26% higher under shade, 97% higher with irrigation and 44% higher with added nutrients. Significant interactions of shade x irrigation, shade x nutrients and irrigation x nutrients were also observed. Increasing biomass yield has a greater effect on total flavonoid harvested than does increasing flavonoid concentration.