Evaluation of morphological traits and essential oil yield of some populations of great chamomile (Tanacetum parthenium (L) Schultz-bip.)

In order to evaluation of morphological traits and essential oil yield in wild chamomile (Tanacetum parthenium (L) Schultz-bip.), 61 populations were sown in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications in Alborz research station in Karaj, Iran during 2012-2014. Data were collected and analyzed for length and width of canopy diameter, plant height, number of flower, shoot fresh and dry weight, growth degree days (GDD), essential oil percentage and essential oil yield. Mean comparison of the traits showed that population of 26500- Hamadan with fresh -dry weight as (15545, 6218) kg/ha, respectively, had higher areal yield. The highest amount of essential oil percentage and essential oil yield with average values of 1.03% and 22.30 kg/ha were obtained in populations of 14340-Hamadan and 27158-Foman, respectively. Population of the 29813-Boyer Ahamad with 417◦C had lowest GDD and with (65 days to flowering) had lowest time of flowering. They were considered as early maturity population compare with other populations. From the result of this study, it was concluded that the earlier maturity populations with higher shoot yield coupled with higher both essential oil percentage and essential oil yield were recommended for produce new improved varieties and cultivation in dryland farming system in Alborz and Zagross regions, Iran.