Changes in the anatomical and physiologic characteristics and in the production of essential oil of medicinal plants under influence of different radiation conditions have been demonstrated. The objective of this study was to characterize the variation in the anatomical and physiologic characteristics, and in the essential oil content of the Brazilian-lavender (Aloysia gratissima [Gilles & Hook.] Tronc., verbenaceae), grown in different shading levels, characterized by the reduction of 0; 40, and 80% of the incident solar radiation. For growth analyses we used a completely randomized design (CRD), with three levels of light and five replicates of three plants. The analyses of chlorophyll content and leaf anatomy were performed in CRD, with three replicates of three plants, while the analyses of essential oil content was carried out in CRD, with three replicates of five plants for each light level. The results showed that 40% of shading was the best condition for plant growth. Dry matter from different organs of the plant did not differ in the treatments 40% of shading (total dry matter 201 g) and at full sunlight (148 g), both significantly higher than 80% of shading (68.6 g). Plants cultivated in full sunlight showed leaves with adaxial epidermic tissue, palisade, and spongy parenchyma and limb significantly thicker than other treatments; however plants grew at 80% shading showed leaves with abaxial epidermic tissue significantly thicker. Shadowing did not significantly interfere with the essential oil content, which ranged from 2.1 to 2.2%.; Nevertheless, the essential oil yield was significantly higher in plants grew in full sunlight (0.73 g plant-1) and 40% shading (0.88), than on those grew at 80% shading (0.26). There was significant increase of chlorophyll a and b concentration in function of the decrease in light intensity (20.7 mg total chlorophyll per g fresh matter at full sunlight; and 23.7 and 32.0 with 40% and 80% shading respectively), as well as significant reduction in ratio a/b (3.13 at full sunlight and 2.94 and 2.69 at 40% and 80% shading respectively).
Aloysia gratissima (Gilles & Hook.) Tronc.; Verbenaceae; medicinal plant; light; morphological traits; histological traits
