Resumen
Over the past few years, special attention has been paid to biomass valorization. The aim of this paper is to evaluate the effect of the phenolic rich extracts obtained from raw materials on the growth and development of lemon balm (Melissa officinalis L.). The extracts were obtained from the bark of spruce (Picea abies (L.) H. Karst) and beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) separated as waste product during wood processing. The growth and development of the plants was assessed by measuring elongation of vegetative organs, biomasses including root, stem, and leaf, and photosynthetic pigment content. In addition, the analysis of some histo-anatomic characteristics of the vegetative organs were made. Elongation biomasses and photosynthetic pigments concentration presented higher values in case of plants treated with beech bark phenolic extract compared to control plants. The spruce bark phenolic extract had a stimulatory effect on the germination but inhibited the growth and development of the plants. Both extracts increased the percentage of lignification in stems. These findings could contribute to the development of natural and eco-friendly substances that favor cultivation of lemon balm plants. Future research is needed in order to identify potential qualitative and quantitative changes in the essential oil of the aromatic plant treated with the tested solutions.