Effect of shading intensity on the growth and leaf bioactive compounds of two accession of javanese long pepper (Piper retrofractum Vahl.)

Abstract

The aims of this research were (1) to study the morphology, physiology and plant growth of two accessions of javanese long pepper in some shading intensites, and (2) to analyze the nutrients content and bioactive compounds in the leaves of two accessions of javanese long pepper. The research was conducted in June 2009 to February 2010, in Field Experimental Station, Darmaga, Bogor Agricultural University. Split Plot Design was used with three replications. The main plots were shading intensities: 0, 25 and 55%, while the subplot were plant accessions, namely Lampung and Madura. Statistically, there was no effect of shading intensities on morphological and physiological characteristics of plants except of potassium (K) and alkaloid content of leaf. Shading increased K content in leaves, while shading intensity of 25% reduced alkaloid content. Accessions had different plant characteristics in some variables, namely leaf size, branch number, and chlorophylls. In Bogor, Lampung accession tended to have higher values of morphological characteristics than those of Madura. Although not statistically different, there was a general trend of shading effects on different accessions. In Bogor, Lampung accession can grow well with shading intensity up to 55% (shade loving plant), and Madura grow well without shading (sun loving plant). Qualitative bioactive compound test results showed that the leaves of javanese long pepper contained alkaloid and steroid. Increasing shading intensity significantly increased leaf alkaloid, but tends to reduce leaf steroid.

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