The effect of sowing date and seeding levels on quantitative and qualitative yield of chamomile (Matricaria recutita L.) CV. Presov

In this research, the effect of sowing date and seeding level on flower yield, essential oil and chamazulene content of chamomile (Matricaria recutita L.) CV. Presov, purchased from Slovakia, was studied. The experimental was split-plot in the basic of randomized complete blocked design (RCBD) with three replications. Main plots consisted of three sowing dates (6 Nov., 5 Mar. and 4 Apr.) and sub-plots included three seeding levels (0.2, 0.4 and 0.8 g/m2). Evaluated traits were plant height, number of plants in plot, diameter of flower, fresh and dry flower yield, essential oil yield, essential oil and chamazulene percent. The results showed that sowing date had significant effect but seeding levels had only significant effect on number of plants in plot and essential oil yield. There are significant effects between sowing date and seeding level as measured traits are concerned. Based on the results, highest plant (47.4 cm), the most number of plants in plot (135.4 plants), the most fresh and dry flower yield (749.1 and 175.1 g/m2) were obtained from the plants which sown on 6 of Nov. but highest percentage of essential oil and chamazulene (0.59 and 5.62 percent respectively) and essential oil yield (0.79 g/m2) was obtained from the plants which sown on 5 of Mar. According to the results of their interaction, highest plant (49.7 cm), the most yield of wet and dry flower yield (810 and 198.2 g/m2) were obtained from the plots which sown on 6 of Nov. with 0.8 g/m2 but the most essential oil and chamazulene content (0.63 and 5.9 w/w percent respectively) and essential oil yield (0.97 g/m2) was obtained from the plots that were sown on 5 of Mar. with 0.4 g/m2. According to the results, the most suitable sowing date and seeding level in Mashhad condition is 5th Mar. with 0.4 g/m2 seeds.