Effect of Aqueous and Alcoholic Extracts of Melissa Officinalis on Germination, Growth and Yield of Cultivated Red Radish (Raphanus Sativus L.)

Abstract

Radish (Raphanus sativus L.) is a member of the Brassicaceae family of root vegetables and both the roots and the leaves are consumed for their natural therapeutic value and health promoting effects owing to the presence of phytochemicals. Thus, the effect of three different solvents (Cold, hot and alcoholic) of Melissa officinalis (lemon balm) extracts on germination and growth of radish was studied. A field experiment was carried out during October to December 2021 season with Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD). Alcoholic, hot water and cold water extraction at a concentration of 1 % showed a higher germination percentage compared to other concentrations, while Distilled water showed a major germination percentage 80% compared to other extractions. Regarding the chlorophyll content, alcoholic extraction at a concentration of 0.5 % showed higher Chlorophyll content of 19.5 compared to other treatments and even the control. The root length of radish for alcoholic extraction at a concentration of 1 % showed the highest root length. Alcoholic extraction at a concentration of 0.5 %, hot water extraction at a concentration of 3% and cold-water extraction at a concentration of 5% showed the highest stem diameter. Alcoholic extraction of lemon balm at concentration of 1 presented the biggest leaf diameter. This indicated that the Melissa officinalis extracts as a medicinal plant had different effects on radish germination and growth. Further research should evaluate radish development in different circumstances to see whether this strategy may boost the output of this vital crop.