Changes in Morpho-physiological Characteristics of Peppermint by Foliar Application of Biofertilizer and Nanofertilizers

Peppermint is one of the medicinal and aromatic plants that is widely used as a pharmaceutical, food, and cosmetic. In recent years, due to the harmful effects of fertilizers on the environment, their use has been criticized. Using bio and nano-fertilizer as an alternative source for conventional fertilizers leads to the gradual realization of fertilizer nutrients in the soil and in a controlled manner. The use of these fertilizers leads to increased nutrients, use efficiency, reduce the toxicity of the soil, and reduce the frequency of the application. The current study evaluates the effect of nano- fertilizers and organic fertilizers on morpho-physiological characteristics of peppermint based a completely randomized design. Experimental treatments were the foliar application of nano fertilizers (nitrogen, iron, and potassium) and normal vermiwash, enriched vermiwash, tea compost, and control.  The results showed that the effect of nano- fertilizers and bio-fertilizers on plant height, leaf area, leaf dry weight, total dry weight, photosynthetic pigments, proline, protein, and carbohydrate were significant. All treatments increased photosynthetic pigments, compared to control. The maximum amount of proline, total dry weight, and plant height was obtained using nano fertilizers of nitrogen whereas enriched vermiwash resulted in the highest protein and leaf area.