1. Harvest time optimization for medicinal and aromatic plant secondary metabolites.
- Author
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Hazrati, Saeid, Mousavi, Zahra, and Nicola, Silvana
- Subjects
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PLANT metabolites , *METABOLITES , *HARVESTING time , *MEDICINAL plants , *AROMATIC plants , *PHYTOPATHOGENIC microorganisms , *PLANT phenology - Abstract
Plant secondary metabolites (SMs) play a crucial role in shielding plants from pathogens and environmental stressors. These natural products find widespread applications across various industries, including pharmaceutical, food, cosmetic, and healthcare. However, the quantity and quality of these compounds in plants can be influenced by factors such as genetics, morphology, plant age, and the seasonal and daily variations. The timing of harvest holds particular significance for medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs) as their active compounds peak at a specific moment during the plant growth cycle. Determining the optimal harvest time is essential to ensure the plants meet their intended cultivation goal. In this review, we analyzed how developmental and external factors impact the qualitative and quantitative effectiveness of SMs in MAPs. We examined recent studies on the effects of environmental and developmental factors on SMs of MAPs, compiling relevant data for analysis. The results of this review demonstrate how these factors influence the quantity and quality of plant SMs, underscoring the importance of determining the optimal harvest time (known as the balsamic time) to maximize the utilization of these compounds. Our findings offer crucial insights into the factors affecting SMs, serving as a tool for quality control in MAPs production. Moreover, this review can be a valuable resource for researchers, farmers, and industrial users aiming to optimize plant growth and harvest timing for maximum yield. Overall, our review provides valuable information for devising effective strategies to produce high-quality MAPs products. [Display omitted] • Morpho-phenological stages and timing significantly influence plant secondary metabolites (SMs). • Optimal harvest timing is crucial for achieving desired outcomes, as SMs peak at specific stages of the plant's growth cycle.. • The modification of SMs may occur due to changes the expression of biosynthesis genes. • The review proposes the concept of the "balsamic time" for optimal harvesting of various SMs in medicinal and aromatic plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2024
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