Effect of edaphic conditions on phytochemical latex yield of bitter asafetida (Ferula assa-foetida L.) medicinal plant in two natural habitats in Kerman province

This study was performed in 2018 to investigate the effect of edaphic conditions on latex yield of (Ferula assa-foetida L.) in two natural habitats of Kerman province located in elevation of 2600 m. Soil and This plant samplings were done using completely randomized method. After extraction of later essential oil by hydro-distillation method, and were analyzed by using GC-MS. The results of T-test showed that moisture, silt, organic matter, phosphorous (p<0.01) and nitrogen (p<0.05) parameters had a significant increase in Paseeb habitat but in Sardar habitat other parameters including sand percentage, calcium carbonate and potassium were significant (p<0.01). Total amount of latex and the essential oil content indicated a significant increase and decrease in Paseeb habitat (66.86 gr and 6%) compared to Sardar habitat (56.37 gr and 8%), respectively. The main compounds percentages such as (E)-1-propenyl sec butyl disulfide (51.48%), α-Pinene (6.92%), β-Pinene (9.34%) and Cis-Ocimene (7.65%) in Sardar region was more than Paseeb habitat (49.75%, 3.22%, 5.87% and 7.64%, respectively). Both habitats had the most latex yield in 10 incisions. Based on the results, there was positive and significant correlation between latex yield with the moisture, silt, organic matter, nitrogen and phosphorous. There was a negative correlation between essential oil contents, sulfurous compounds, α-Pinene, β-Pinene and Limonene with moisture but a positive correlation between these parameters with lime amount (p<0.01).  The results indicated that the difference in latex yield, quantity and quality of essential oil can be due to edaphic conditions or genetic changes. In order to maintain and sustainable use of this plant, harvesting is recommended during 10 stages of razor cutting.