Effect of nitrogen fertilizer and plant density on growth, yield and essential oil content of newly introduced plant species in Egypt: 1- Monarda citriodora

Here we are reporting for the first time in the recent agricultural history of the Egypt the cultivation of monarda (Monarda citriodora) in Egypt. The effect of nitrogen fertilizer and plant spacing on growth, yield, and essential oil content on monarda production was investigated under Giza governorate cultivation conditions. Seeds were obtained from Jelitto seed company, Germany on October 2008 and were sown in the nursery on October 14^th and the seedlings were cultivated in a clay-loamy soil in December. Three nitrogen doses were applied (33.5, 50.25 or 67kg N/fedden=4200m²) and four plant spacing (20, 25, 30, or 35cm between plants) were studied. The highest nitrogen dose result in the highest growth parameters and essential oil% obtained, while plant spacing of 30cm seems to be the optimum for monarda production.