Elevated Inulin Content in Chicory under Phosphorous and Iron Deficiency

Inulin has been shown to possess probiotic properties and industrial applications. Chicory (Cichorium intybus L.) is the main commercial source of inulin throughout the whole world. However, the composition of the culture medium to grow chicory has a significant effect on both quality and the quantity of this active ingredient in the plant. Here, several sets of experiments were conducted in a completely randomized design under hydroponic culture. in vitro condition, to investigate the effects of phosphorus and iron fertilizer starvation on plant growth traits and also, the amount of active ingredient in chicory. Phosphorus was used at three different levels: 0.5, 1.25 and 2.5 mM while, the effect of iron treatment was investigated by removing iron from the MS culture medium and then compared to the control. The results showed that with increasing phosphorous consumption, elevated fresh and dry root weight was observed, however, iron starvation reduced root growth. In this study, the amount of inulin was significantly affected by these treatments while, the stress of phosphorus deficiency and also the elimination of iron increased the amount of inulin.