Effect of Open Field and Open Shade Conditions on the Growth and Phytochemical Constituents of Amaranthus cruentus

Abstract

The growth and phytochemical constituents of Amaranthus cruentus plants under open shade and open field conditions were studied. Plants grown under open field had significantly higher plant height, number of leaves, fresh weight, dry weight and leaf area throughout the period of the analysis than those grown under open shade.  Plants grown under open field condition had significantly higher (p = 0.05) amount of total flavonoids and total tannin and total antioxidant capacity.  Nevertheless, the total phenol was significantly higher in plants grown under open shade condition.  Leaf extracts of plants grown under open field condition also had significantly higher DPPH scavenging activity based on the IC₅₀ value (38.31 ?g/ml) than those of plants grown under open shade (52.35 ?g/ml).  The results of this study show that Amaranthus cruentus plants should be grown under open field to obtain better vegetative growth as well as higher phytochemical and antioxidant capabilities.

KEY WORDS: Amaranthus cruentus, open field, open shade, growth, antioxidant