The Effect of Sowing Date and Different Urea Fertilizer Levels on Quality and Quantity of Chamomile (Matricaria recutita, Perso genotype) in Shoushtar Climate Condition

A split plots experiment based on randomized complete blocks design was carried out at field research center of Islamic Azad University, Shoushtar branch during 2012 to find out the suitable sowing date and Urea fertilizer used in Chamomile (Matricaria recutita). Main plots including three sowing date (9, 19 and 29 February 2012) and subplots including four levels of Urea fertilizers (5, 10, 15 and 20 g urea fertilizer per m-2). Delay at chamomile sowing date till 29 February decreased essential oil yield up to 50% compared 9 and 19 February sowing date. Increase of Urea fertilizer to 15 and 20 g m-2 increased essential oil yield to 47% compared use of 5 g m-2 Urea fertilizer. Results showed 9 and 19 February sowing date combined 15 and 20 g m-2 Urea fertilizer increase flower dry weight, flower essential oil percentage, flower essential oil yield and chamazolene percentage. Highest flower dry weight, flower essential oil yield and chamazolene percentage were obtained at 9 Februray plant sowing date + 15 g m-2 Urea fertilizer (38.4 g m-2, 0.36 g m-2 and 17.4% respectively) and 19 Februray plant sowing date + 15 g m-2 Urea fertilizer (36.2 g m-2, 0.34 g m-2 and 18.1%). These data did not have any significant difference with 9 and 19 February plant sowing date + 20 g m-2 Urea fertilizer. According to the results, the most suitable sowing date and Urea fertilizer for Chamomile in Shoushtar condition are 9 and 19 February and 15 g m-2 (150 kg ha-1) Urea fertilizer but it is advised this experiment repeat for multi years.