Effect of different levels of vermicompost and chemical fertilizer on the nutrient elements and alkaloids of fumitory (Fumaria vaillantii)

Fumitory is an annual and herbaceous plant. Its active substances that mostly exist in aerial parts are including alkaloids such as fumaryn and Synaktyn, and also resins and mucilage. Vermicompost is a bio organic fertilizer which contains enzymes, bacteria, plant residues and animal manure. In this study an experiment was run as completely randomized design in three replications and five treatments. Treatments were including of control (No fertilizer), three levels of vermicompost (5, 15 and 30 percent) and chemical fertilizer (N:P:K, 20:20:20). After flowering of the plants, alkaloids were measured by HPLC using internal standard noscapine and external standard fumaric acid. The results showed significant effect of vermicompost on the amount of Fumitory alkaloids. The vermicompost treatment of 30 percent had the maximum and minimum amount of alkaloids, respectively. All micro and macro elements had significant differences in compared to control plants. The results indicated a positive effect of vermicompost on all the measured traits in this experiment. Totally, the use of agricultural inputs (organic and chemical) and favorable impact on yield and secondary metabolites of in this plant.