Effects of different irrigation regimes and foliar application of chitosan on qualitative and physiological characteristics of German chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.)

In order to evaluate the effects of different irrigation regimes and foliar spraying of chitosan on some qualitative and physiological characteristics of German chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.), this study was conducted based on randomized complete blocks design with factorial arrangement of treatment and three replications in Gonbad Kavous university research field, in 2014 growing season. Treatments included irrigation in two levels, irrigation after 60 and 100 mm evaporation from class A pan, and chitosan in five levels including non spraying of chitosan (spraying with distilled water as control (K1)), chitosan spraying as 125 mg/L after 60 days of planting (K2), 125 mg/L after 75 days of planting (K3), 250 mg/L after 60 days of planting (K4) and 250 mg/L after 75 days of planting (K5). Results indicated that utilization of chitosan under stress and under normal irrigation regime increased present of chamazulene, essential oil percentage and essential oil yield. According to our results, chitosan spraying in 125 mg/L 60 days after planting date under deficit water stress conditions improved peroxidase activity, chamazulene percentage and essential oil yield. In general, in order to increase the valuable medicinal products in German chamomile, spray of chitosan, as a natural material is important.