Vegetos
(An International Journal of Plant Research & Biotechnology)
(eISSN: 2229-4473)
Enhancing morphological traits, yield, and chemical quality of rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) using biostimulants
*Article not assigned to an issue yet
Nazih Abderrahmane, El Jafoufi Chaimae, Akodad Mustapha, Skalli Ali, El Haddaji Hamza, Baghour Mourad
Research Articles | Published: 20 May, 2026
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Keywords: Humic substances, Medicinal plants, Seaweed extract, Sustainable agriculture
Abstract
As an organic alternative to synthetic fertilizers responsible for several environmental challenges, biostimulants are attracting increasing interest due to their environmental friendliness and effectiveness on various crops, especially medicinal plants. The current study aimed to evaluate the effect of two biostimulants, individually or in combination, on the growth, yield, and chemical quality of rosemary. The trial was carried out on an organic farm in the Bou Areg plain, north-east Morocco, using a randomized complete block design with three replicates per treatment. The biostimulants used were based on humic substances, seaweed extract, and their combination. Untreated plants were used as the control. The results showed that the application of humic substances (HS), individually or in combination with seaweed extracts (HS + AE), significantly (p < 0.05) enhanced most of the measured parameters compared to the control, with no significant difference between HS and HS + AE treatments, except for total soluble sugars. Both treatments significantly (p < 0.05) increased plant height (4.06 cm and 4.46 cm), number of branches (17 and 19.67), number of leaves (13 and 12), yield (1.89-fold and 1.75-fold), and dry weight (7.41 g/100 g and 8.06 g/100 g). Similarly, HS and HS + AE treatments increased (p < 0.05) soluble protein (59.1 mg/100 g and 60.1 mg/100 g), total soluble sugar (70.47 mg/100 g and 135.76 mg/100 g), total chlorophyll (0.82 mg/g and 0.83 mg/g), and carotenoids (1.47 mg/g and 1.48 mg/g). These treatments could be effective in enhancing both the productivity and quality of rosemary, contributing to more sustainable, environmentally friendly agriculture.
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Author Information
Laboratory of Biology, Geosciences, Physics and Environment (OLMAN- BGPE), Multidisciplinary Faculty of Nador, Mohammed First University, Selouane, Morocco