• Horticultural Science & Technology
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• v.19 no.3
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• pp.384-388
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• 2001

The selenium (Se) contents of 20 herbs, harvested in three areas in Korea, were analyzed. Many herbs had no Se. Angelica ($138.4{\mu}g \;Se{\cdot}kg^{-1}$ FW), caraway ($167.8{\mu}g \;Se{\cdot}kg^{-1}$ FW), chamomile ($116.6{\mu}g \;Se{\cdot}kg^{-1}$ FW), marjoram (158.7 and $132.6{\mu}g\;Se{\cdot}kg^{-1}$ FW), and oregano ($62.5{\mu}g\;Se{\cdot}kg^{-1}$ FW) accumulated Se as higher concentration compared with other plants. The Se content of herbs was dependent on the species, cultivars and areas. The status of Se uptake by herbs was investigated according to Se concentrations in hydroponics. During four weeks, before harvest of several herbs in greenhouse, sodium selenate ($Na_2SeO_4$) was added to the nutrient solution at concentrations of 2, 4, 6, and $8mg{\cdot}L^{-1}$. Field-mint accumulated Se too high, but external symptom of Se toxicity was not found. Essential oil content was generally proportionated to treated-Se concentration. The essential oil contents in basil and balm increased two to three times higher by sodium selenate treatment compared to non-treatment, but they did not show any linear relationship between essential oil contents and treated-Se concentration.