The effect of foliar spray of salicylic acid and potassium sulfate on the quantity and quality of essential oils of rose-scented geranium (Pelargonium graveolens)

Rose-scented geranium is a foliage pot plant which its indoor use is widespread. It also has an ever-increasing use in the perfume industry, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. In order to improve the quantitative and qualitative characteristics of this house plant, the effect of salicylic acid and potassium sulfate was investigated. The factorial experiment was based on a CRD with four replications and conducted in the greenhouses of the department of horticultural sciences at Shiraz University. Foliar spray of salicylic acid and potassium sulfate were conducted at four concentrations of 0, 100, 200 and 300 mg/l, and 0, 0.5, 1 and 1.5 % respectively. The results showed that the interaction of salicylic acid and potassium sulfate on yield and quality of essential oils. According to the results, the treatment of 200 ppm salicylic acid and 1.5% potassium sulfate resulted in the greatest essential oil yield (1.01%). Geraniol and citronellol had the greatest abundance in the essential oils by 300 ppm salicylic acid application.