Effect of Zeolite Supplementation on the Physio-Morphological and Chemical Characteristics of Plectranthus scutellarioides (L.) Grown under Different Irrigation Intervals

Abstract

Water scarcity is a serious threat on a global scale because of its detrimental effects on crop productivity generally and its detrimental effects on the aesthetic appeal and decorative value of many ornamental plants, such as Plectranthus scutellarioides (L.) plants. Therefore, our study aimed to use zeolite as a natural, eco-friendly substance at rates 0, 30 and 60g/ kg soil to help plants develop well when they are exposed to different irrigation intervals 3, 5 and 7 days. When P. scutellarioides plants were irrigated every 7 days had a detrimental effect on plant growth because it reduced the values of all vegetative characteristics, RWC (%), MSI (%), and photosynthetic pigments content. Conversely, this irrigation interval (7 days) increased the antioxidant activity (%), and the levels of phenols, flavonoids, proline and lipid peroxidation increased as a result. The highest sugars content occurred when the plants were watered every 5 days. Whilest, the majority of the vegetative characteristics and chemical contents improved when the plants were treated with 30 g/kg zeolite, with the exception of the fresh and dry weights of the roots, which improved when the plants were treated with 60 g/kg zeolite at all irrigation levels. In conclusion, P. scutellarioides plants were found to be negatively impacted by longer drought
periods; however, the application of zeolite at a level of 30 g/kg soil improved the morphological and chemical properties of the plants under all irrigation levels.