Application of humic acid and biofertilizers changes oil and phenolic compounds of fennel and fenugreek in intercropping systems.

The study investigated the effect of organic/biofertilizers in intercropping patterns on seed yield and yield components and essential oil, fatty acid, and phenolic compounds of fennel (Foeniculum vulgare L.) and fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.). Experimental treatments included the application of humic acid (HA), biofertilizers (BFS), and the unfertilized control in five planting patterns [1 row fennel + 2 rows fenugreek intercropping (1F:2FG), 2 rows fennel + 2 rows fenugreek intercropping (2F:2FG), 2 rows fennel + 4 rows fenugreek intercropping (2F:4FG), and sole cropping of each species]. Sole cropping with BFS produced the highest seed yields for fennel (2233 kg ha-1) and fenugreek (1240 kg ha-1). In contrast, the 2F:2FG intercropping ratio with BFS yielded the maximum fixed oil content for fennel (17.4%) and fenugreek (8.3%). Application of HA and BFS enhanced oil yields by 66% and 75% in fennel and 40% and 57% in fenugreek, respectively. The 2F:2FG intercropping ratio with BFS produced the maximum essential oil constituents [(E)-anethole, estragole, and fenchone] in fennel. In addition, 2F:4FG with BFS and 1F:1FG with HA produced the highest unsaturated fatty acid (oleic and linoleic acids) concentration in both species. The 2F:2FG intercropping ratio with BFS and HA produced the highest chlorogenic acid and quercetin contents, respectively, in fennel. In contrast, the 2F:4FG intercropping ratio with HA produced the highest chlorogenic acid and caffeic acid contents in fenugreek. Intercropping fennel/fenugreek with BFS or HA improved the essential oil content (fennel only), fixed oil quality and quantity, and phenolic compounds and created a more sustainable cultivation system than sole cropping systems for both species under low-input conditions.

The potential of using insecticidal properties of medicinal plants against insect pests.

In this study, botanicals extracted from two the species of family Scrophulariaceae, Verbascum cheiranthifolium Boiss and Verbascum speciosum Schard, were examined for their effect on mortality and progeny production against adults of Sitophilus oryzae (L.). The plant extracts were applied at five dose rates, which 0.25, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0 and 3% (w/v). Adults of S. oryzae was exposed to the treated wheat at 25 degrees C and 65% RH and mortality was assessed after 24 h, 48 h, 7 day, 14 day and 21 day of exposure. Then all adults were removed and the treated substrate remained at the same conditions for an additional 45 day after this interval, the commodity was checked for progeny production. In use two extracts the mortality of adults increased with the increase of dose and exposure interval so that; mortality was 100% after 21 days of exposure at the highest dose rate. Results indicated that applied of V. cheiranthifolium extract was more effective than V. speciosum against adult insects. Interestingly, in two cases complete suppression (100% reduction) of the progeny production (F1) was observed in the treated wheat than in control even in the lowest dose rate. Therefore, our results indicate that these medicinal plants can be used for protection of stored grain from infestations of stored-product insect pests.