Investigating the effects of vermicompost and amino acids on flower yield of the chamomile

For investigating the effects of vermicompost and amino acids on flower yield of chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.), an experiment based on randomized complete blocks (RCB) factorial design was carried out in with three replications in the Alborz Medicinal Plant Research Station in Karaj in the Spring of 2010. The experiment treatment included 5 levels of vermicompost (0, 5, 10, 15 and 20 ton/ha) and amino acid spraying at 3 levels (i.e. the budding stag, the flowering stage, and the budding plus flowering stage). The results indicated that the vermicompost and amino acid spraying had a significant effect on all of the traits under analysis. The highest plant height (41.8 cm), fresh flower yield (3335.7 kg/ha), and dried flower yield (653.8 kg/ha) were obtained by using 20 tons vermicompost per hectare. Similar results were obtained from the third level of amino acid spraying (i.e. the budding plus flowering stage). The interaction effects indicated that the simultaneous application of 15 ton/ha of vermicompost and two times spraying with amino acids (at budding plus flowering stage) resulted in the highest fresh and dried flower yield