Authors : Sukardi , Sudjito Soeparman, Bambang Dwi Argo and Yudy Surya Irawan
Abstract: Patchouli (Pogostemon cablin, Benth) is an herbal plant and become a leading export commodity. Almost 80% of the world’s patchouli oil needs are supplied from the Indonesia. Patchouli oil is stored in the Glandular Trichomes (GT) which exist in all parts of the plant. The study aimed to determine the effects of pulsed electric field on the GT cells damage. The design of research was a completely randomized design and factorial treatments. The first study was conducted by voltages on 500-2000 V, exposure times of PEF 2 and 3 sec at a frequency of 500 Hz. The second study, treatment of 500-2000 Hz frequency, exposure times PEF 2 and 3 sec on the voltage of 500 V. The third study combined treatment mains voltages of 500, 750, 1000 and 2000 V, frequencies 500, 1000 and 2000 Hz and exposure times PEF 2 and 3 sec. The raw material in the form of fresh patchouli leaves the age of 7 months after planting and taken leaves of old. Data analysis is using software of SPSS 19 Version and to investigate the changes of GT cells used Scanning Electron Micrograph (SEM). The results showed that the number of GT cells on the lower surface of leaves (abaxial) and the upper surface of the leaf (adaxial) are 16-19 and 6-9 cells, respectively with a diameter of ±60-63 μm. In the area of 1 cm2, the number of GT cell on abaxial and adaxial leaves are ±800 and ±355 cells, respectively or mean number of GT cells on whole leaves is ±1.155/cm2. The electric field strength of PEF treatment has greater influence on GT cell damage than the frequency. PEF treatment by electric field strength of 125 V cm-1 makes GT cells patchouli damage. PEF frequency treatment makes GT cells wrinkled and PEF strength makes GT cell wall are erupted.
Sukardi , Sudjito Soeparman, Bambang Dwi Argo and Yudy Surya Irawan, 2015. The Effect of Moderate Pulsed Electric Field (PEF) on Microscopic Visualization of Glandular Trichome of Patchouli Leaves. Journal of Engineering and Applied Sciences, 10: 58-65.