Studies on the Growth, Production and Component Contents of Chrysanthemum indicum Using Arduino-controlled Moisture Content Irrigation Systems

Abstract

The flowers of Chrysanthemum indicum L., when used as herbal medicines, are said to effectively relieve heat, pain, eye fatigue, and inflammation and be detoxifying. Recent studies have been conducted to control the growth environment of plants with the use of computers, Arduino company producing one such open-source control device. In this study, we evaluated the effect of a traditional ck irrigation system and three soil moisture volume content irrigation controlled by Arduino UNO on flowering, growth, production, and indicators of flower quality of C. indicum grown in pots in a greenhouse. For this study, we aimed to maintain soil moisture volume content to 35%-40%. Irrigation was set to be initiated when soil moisture volume content dropped to 25-30% (Is 30% group), 15-20% (Is 20% group) or 5-10% (Is 10% group). Flowering time was earlier in Is 30% and Is 20% plants than the traditional ck plants, while Is 10% plants did not flower throughout the cultivation period. Both the Is 30% and traditional ck plants produced significantly more total number of flowers and total dry weight of the flowers than Is 20% (Is 10% none). Traditional ck flowers have a significantly higher content of chlorogenic acid, myricetin and quercetin, indicators of quality. The other indicators, luteolin and apigenin were significantly higher than traditional ck and Is 30% plants. This study concluded that the Arduino UNO’s irrigation control system had a better effect on C. indicum growth and component content when irrigation was set Is 30%.