Correlation Of Leaf Glucose Content With Mineral Nutrients Uptake Of South African Geranium (Peiargonium sidoides)

Abstract

Pelargonium sidoides is a medicinal plant grown in Kenya for export to Germany where it is used in the manufacture of drugs for lung related diseases. The farm contributes to the well being of the local community by providing permanent employment to for over 80 persons, with 80 percent being women. It also offers free pre-primary education to their children including the ones from the neighbourhood. The broad spectrum of activity against viruses and bacteria may be caused by the coumarins and phenolic acids from a root of a healthy plant. Health of P. sidoides is controlled by appropriate mjneraJ uptake and glucose concentration in the leaves. This concentration is governed by soil nutrients concentration and plant uptake capacity. Inorganic and organic fertilizers are normally applied to the crop. The relationship between nutrients uptake, glucose, and chlorophyll contents has not been established.