Variation in polyphenolic content of Athrixia phylicoides (L.) (bush tea) leaves with season and nitrogen application
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Date
Authors
Mudau, Fhatuwani Nixwell
Soundy, Puffy
Du Toit, Elsa Sophia
Olivier, J. (Jana), 1948-
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Elsevier
Abstract
The high concentrations of polyphenols present in leaves of bush tea (Athrixia phylicoides L.), a
popular herbal beverage with medicinal properties, were examined in wild and cultivated
populations to determine their magnitude of variation with season and application of nitrogenous fertilizers. Concentrations of total polyphenols in leaves of wild plants were lowest in March, April and September and highest in June and July, with nitrogenous fertilizer applications below 300 kg ha− 1 N further elevating polyphenol concentrations in leaves of cultivated plants grown under restricted lighting. These findings, which contradict the Carbon/Nutrient balance hypothesis, conclude that the most suitable conditions for cultivating bush tea to obtain plants with an optimal leaf polyphenol content are those of reduced light intensity during winter and in soils supplemented with a nitrogenous fertilizer.
Description
Keywords
Season, Bush tea, Athrixia phylicoides L.
Sustainable Development Goals
Citation
Mudau, FN, Soundy, P, Du Toit, ES & Olivier J 2006, ‘Variation in polyphenolic content of Athrixia phylicoides (L.) (bush tea) leaves with season and nitrogen application’, South African Journal of Botany, vol. 72, no. 3, pp.398-402. [http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/journal/02546299]