Growth, saponin and nitrogen content of common plantain (Plantago major L.) tissue with gibberellic acid application (GA3)

Abstract

Abstract. The aims of this research were to study the application effect on growth, saponin content, and tissue nitrogen of common plantain (Plantago major L.). P. major was one of the plants with potency as a medicinal plant. The addition of GA₃ exogenous to the plant would cause GA₃ binding with receptor protein in the plasma membrane region, which caused specific gene activation, so that specific RNA molecule formed, and would trigger one or more enzyme forming which regulate plant growth and influence protein synthesis also plant secondary metabolite production. Data elicited by completely randomized design (CRD) with single factor (GA₃ application). The application of GA₃ was done once a week for two months, with the following concentrations: 0 ppm, 25 ppm, 50 ppm, 75 ppm, and 100 ppm, each treatment with five replications. After harvest, the measurement of leaves width, dry weight, saponin content, and nitrogen tissue was measured. Data obtained were analyzed using variance analysis (ANOVA), followed by DMRT 5% confidence level. The result showed that GA₃ application significantly affected dry weight and saponin content but did not affect leaf width and tissue nitrogen content. The highest GA₃ concentration for increased leaves width was 50 ppm. The highest dry weight and saponin content were on 75 ppm GA₃ application, whereas the highest tissue nitrogen was on 25 ppm GA₃ treatment.