The effect of nitrogen and phosphorous fertilizers on morphophysiological properties of Althaea officinalis

Althaea officinalis has a significant role in preventing and treating different diseases. the present study was aimed to assess the effect of n and p fertilizers on leaf, seed, and flower properties in a semi-arid area of iran. n was applied as nh2conh at three stages (before cultivating stage, at 4-leaf stage, and before reproductive stage) as 50, 100, and 150 kg/ha. p was used as p2o5 before cultivating in three concentrations as 30, 60 and 90 kg/ha. results showed that n fertilizer significantly increased plant height, leaf area, and leaf chlorophyll content, whereas p fertilizer only influenced the plant height. for seed properties, mucilage was not influenced by p fertilizer. nor was 1000 seed weight affected by n fertilizer. p fertilizer significantly increased oil content. in contrast, a 0.5 % decrease in seed oil was observed in 150 kg/ha with respect to control. all flower properties (phenol, flavonoid, and antioxidant activity) of a. officinalis significantly increased by enhancing n and p concentrations. in most traits, 150 kg/ha n and 90 kg/ha p fertilizers were selected as most effective treatments.