Optimization of irrigation for improving seedling production of Marrubium vulgare L.
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.63356/agrores.2026.005Keywords:
white horehound, seedlings, irrigation, emergence, medicinal plantsAbstract
Marrubium vulgare L. is a perennial medicinal plant belonging to the Lamiaceae family, widely used in the pharmaceutical and herbal industries due to its expectorant, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. The production of high-quality seedlings represents a key prerequisite for successful cultivation and establishment of this species. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of different irrigation regimes on seedling emergence, stand formation, and morphological characteristics of M. vulgare L. seedlings under open-field nursery conditions. The experiment was conducted in 2025 at the Institute for Medicinal Plant Research “Dr Josif Pančić” in Pančevo, Serbia. Seeds were sown on 28 July at a sowing rate of 10 g m⁻², and transplanting was performed on 30 November. Three irrigation treatments were applied: no irrigation (T0), moderate irrigation (T1: 6 l m⁻² day⁻¹), and intensive irrigation (T2: 10 l m⁻² day⁻¹). The results showed that irrigation significantly affected emergence and seedling morphology. Intensive irrigation provided the highest emergence (99.0%), but resulted in reduced seedling quality due to high plant density and competition. In contrast, the non-irrigated treatment produced the largest individual seedlings but had insufficient emergence (34.0%). Moderate irrigation ensured optimal seedling emergence (62.0%) and the best overall seedling quality, characterized by balanced shoot and root development. Based on the obtained results, moderate irrigation can be recommended as the optimal regime for the production of high-quality M. vulgare L. seedlings.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Stefan Gordanić, Miloš Rajković, Milan Lukić, Jelena Golijan Pantović, Brankica Babec
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