Determination of metabolic effects of seaweed applications on Anatolian sage (Salvia fruticosa Mill.)

Medicinal and aromatic plants have an important place in Turkey with rich biological diversity. Anatolian sage (Salvia fruticosa Mill.) is a commercially important species with a cultivation region that extends from the northwest to the southwest of our country. Due to the active ingredients of Anatolian sage, the increase in its use in health and the consumption of its leaves as tea enhance the popularity of this species day by day. Seaweeds are macro algae that grow in marine environments. Due to the presence of organic acids, macro and micro elements and various plant growth regulators in seaweed, it has the potential to be used as a plant support product. For this reason, the use of seaweed extracts in the cultivation of agricultural products has gained importance in recent years, but the application methods and doses have not yet been fully determined. There is no study in the literature on the application of seaweed on Anatolian sage species. In this study, some metabolic responses [total phenolic content, antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC and DPPH), antioxidant enzymes (SOD and CAT) activities and glutathione content] in Anatolian sage plants exposed to various doses (0.25 g/L, 0.5 g/L, 1 g/L, and 2 g/L) of seaweed, were investigated. When the results were evaluated in terms of oxidative responses, total phenolic substance content and antioxidant capacity of Anatolian sage (Salvia fruticosa) plants, it was determined that 1 g/L seaweed extract may be appropriate as an application dose. Detailed studies are recommended for evaluating the effects of different seaweed contents on Anatolian sage plant species in terms of various doses and application methods.