Effect of salinity and drought stresses on growth parameters and essential oil content of Matricaria chamomila
2008
Razmjoo, K. (Isfahan Univ. of Technology, Isfahan (Iran). Dept. of Agronomy) | Heydarizadeh, P. (Isfahan Univ. of Technology, Isfahan (Iran). Dept. of Agronomy) | Sabzalian, M.R. (Isfahan Univ. of Technology, Isfahan (Iran). Dept. of Agronomy)
Chamomile (Matricaria chamomila) is an important essential oil bearing plant that has adaptability to a wide range of climates and soils. Two experiments were conducted to determine the effect of salinity and drought stresses on growth and oil content of chamomile. Irrigation water with five different salinity levels (0, 84, 168, 252 & 336 mmol per L NaCI) were applied at shooting stage in potted plants. In the second experiment, five irrigation regimes (irrigation after 2, 4, 6, 8 & 10 days) were used for three months from shooting stage to the end of flowering under field conditions. Results indicated that increased salinity caused reduction in the number of branches per plant, flowers per plant, peduncle length and head diameter. Increased salinity also significantly reduced the fresh and dry flower weight and essential oil content. Drought caused a significant reduction in plant height, the number of branches and flowers, peduncle length, head diameter, fresh and dry flower weight and essential oil content. The highest values of flower dry weight and essential oil content were observed under non-salinity stress (control) and 2 days interval irrigation. Chamomile did tolerate 84 mmol NaCl and 4 days interval irrigation without severe reduction in flower yield and oil content.
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