Evaluation of some ecological factors, morphological traits and essential oil productivity of Achillea millefolium L.

Achillea millefolium L. is a well-known species amongst the members of Achillea (Asteraceae) which grows naturally in Iran. In this study, the natural habitats of Achillea millefolium L.were identified in different regions of East Azerbaijan province during the growth season in 2011. The evaluation of morphological variation in 35 genotypes of seven populations of Achillea millefolium L. was carried out to determine superior characters for future breeding programs and medicinal purposes. In this study, 14 quantitative and qualitative characters were evaluated. Flowering stems were used to investigate the quantity of essential oil. Data of locations, vegetative and reproductive characters of each population and the amount of essential oil obtained from each location were recorded. Results were analyzed using cluster analysis with SPSS software. Populations were clustered based on vegetative and reproductive characters and the amount of essential oil. The results of simple correlation analysis showed the existence of significant, positive and negative correlations among some important characters. Factor analysis was also used for defining the determinant factors. According to the factor analysis, flowering stem length, internode length and leaf width constituted the main factors. The populations of Achillea millefolium L. were separated into four groups by cluster analysis using Ward method. The most similar populations were Pirbala, Kondlaj and Jolfa, while Shabestar and Zonoz were separated from other populations. Also populations of Bonab and Basmenj were clustered as a separate group. In conclusion, in this study from all populations, Basmanj and Jolfa populations due to higher yield of essential oil as well as higher adaptability to region climatic conditions are recommended for further physiological and breeding studies.