Effectiveness of Propolis Aqueous Extract on Chemical Constituents of Calendula Plants

Abstract

This study was performed in order to investigate how the foliar spray of propolis aqueous extract can influence the vegetative growth and flowering characters, chemical constituents and oil composition of Calendula plants. The aqueous extract was applied at four levels (0, 5, 10, 15 and 20 gL). It was revealed that propolis was of a positive effect upon all studied parameters; there was an increase done due to the application of the aqueous extract of propolis. The highest results were obtained due to the application of 5, 10 and 15 g L from the aqueous extract of propolis compared to 20 g L and the control plants. 5 and 10 g L gave the highest records of vegetative characters. While, 15 g L had the highest records of all flowering attributes. In chemical composition optimum results ranged between 10 and 15 gL. The highest percentage of the most important components of the essential oil; sesquiterpene hydrocarbons (cadinene, α-Muurolene and Muurolene) and sesquiter phenols (αcadinol, α-Cadinol (Epi) and α-Muurolol (Epi)) resulted from 15 g L. Hence, it could be suggested that propolise aqueous extract could be sprayed on calendula plants at a rate not exceeding 15 g L to get higher results.