Aster x chusanensis Growth and Phenolic Acid Composition under Different Cultivation Temperatures

Abstract

Plants of the Asteraceae family have been cultivated worldwide for economic, medicinal, and ornamental purposes, including genera such as Aster, Helianthus, and Cosmos. Numerous studies examined their secondary metabolites; however, those of Aster x chusanensis, which is a natural hybrid species in South Korea, are unclear, and optimized propagation methods should be identified. We analyzed phenolic acid concentrations in each part of Aster x chusanensis through HPLC. Further, we investigated the growth characteristics and secondary metabolite concentrations under various growth temperatures using division propagation, followed by growing at 20, 25, and 30 degrees C in a growth chamber. Chlorogenic acid was the primary compound, which was particularly high in the leaves. The growth characteristics did not differ significantly between temperatures, and 30 degrees C was most efficient for phenolic acid biosynthesis. Our results provide valuable information on optimized propagation and secondary metabolite concentrations under different temperatures of Aster x chusanensis.