The effect on physiological and biochemical changes wi̇th growth parameters of seaweed in echinacea under the drought stress (Echinaceae purpurea L.)

This study was carried out to determine the effects on biochemical changes with growth parameters of seaweed (Ascophyllum nodosum) extract applications (control, 2, 4 and 6 cc/l) and drought stress at the different osmotic pressure (control,-0.5 MPa, -1.0 MPa and -1.5 MPa) generated by PEG 6000 in echinacea. The experiment was arranged by Factorial designed in Completely Randomized Designed with four replications in controlled climate room. In this study, root length, shoot length, root and shoot fresh weight, root and shoot dry weight, leaf area, chlorophyll content, ion leakage in leaf tissues, lipid peroxidation level (MDA), relative water content in leaf tissues, membrane endurance index, total antioxidant and total phenolic content of echinacea plant were investigated. As a result of the research; it was decreased the root fresh and dry weight, shoot fresh and dry weight, root and shoot length, leaf area, membrane endurance index, relative water content in leaf tissues of drought stress. It was determined caused to increase the level of lipid peroxidation (MDA), ion leakage in leaf tissues and total antioxidant substance amount. Drought stress did not have a significant effect on chlorophyll content and total phenolic content. It has been reduced with seaweed applications the negative effects on the plant of drought stress. It has been positive and incresing the effects on examined parameters (root length, shoot length, root and shoot fresh weight, root and shoot dry weight, chlorophyll content and membrane endurance index) except for lipid peroxidation level (MDA) and ion leakage in leaf tissues of seaweed applications. Seaweed application did not affect relative water content in leaf tissues, leaf area, total antioxidant and the phenolic substance amount.