Effect of Ascorbic, Folic acids and Hibiscus Extract on Geranium ( Pelargonium graveolens )

The present investigation was carried out in Sabahia Horticulture Research Station, Alexandria, Egypt during 2015/2016 - 2016/2017 seasons to study the effect of foliar application with ascorbic acid, folic acid as well as hibiscus extract on quality of Geranium (Pelargonium graveolens L.). Foliar application of ascorbic acid and folic acid as well as extract of hibiscus were sprayed twice in each cut (first spry before cut 60 days and second spray before cut 30 days). Treatments included: control water only, ascorbic acid at (100 and 200 ppm), folic acid at (50 and 100ppm) and hibiscus extract at (5% and 10%). The essential oil (%) of Geranium was determined by hydro-distillation as well as the main constituents of the volatile oil were determined by (GC). The Results showed that, all treatments (tested) caused a great increase in vegetative growth, the essential oil (%), oil yield (ml/plant and L/Fed.) and active compounds; Citronerlol, Citronelly formate, Iso-menthone, B-caryophyllene and Geranyl formate, while it decreased α-pinene and Geraniol. In addition, ascorbic acid at 200ppm, folic acid at 100ppm and hibiscus extract at (5, 10%) are sharp efficacy on increasing the vegetative growth and volatile oil yield than other treatments. Furthermore, it could be illustrated that natural drying caused pronounced changes (acceptable) in the volatile oil% and main constituents.