RESPONSE OF ANNUAL WORMWOOD (ARTEMISIA ANNUA L.) FOR NITROGEN FERTILIZER SOURCES AND SPRAYING WITH SALICYLIC ACID

The objective of the study was to maximize the growth, production and quality of annual wormwood (Artemisia annua L.) plants, which are highly valued for their bioactive compounds, particularly artemisinin, known for its potent anti-malarial properties The field experiments were conducted in the Experimental Station of Desert Research Center in Ras Sudr, South Sinai Governorate, Egypt, during the two successive 2021 and 2022 seasons to investigate the effect of nitrogen sources (NS) [urea, ammonium nitrate (AN) and ammonium sulfate (AMS)] as a soil application at the rate of 160 kg N/ha additionally to control and salicylic acid (SA) (0, 1, and 2 mM) on Artemisia annua plant growth, productivity and chemical composition. Based on the results, AN combined with 2 mM SA treatment resulted in the greatest plant growth characteristics, chemical composition, and yield. Plant height, branch number, dry weight, and essential oil content were all significantly enhanced by this combination. The dry herb yield/ha reached 6822 and 8325 kg in the first season's cuts, and 6383 and 8262 kg in the second season's cuts, respectively. The essential oil yield/ha was notably enhanced, with the highest yields recorded at 76.61 and 89.15 kg/ha in the first season and 79.20 and 93.30 kg/ha in the second season across the cuts. These results indicate that the combined application of AN and 2 mM SA is the most effective treatment for enhancing the growth and productivity of the Artemisia annua plant under the conditions of South Sinai, Egypt.