Effect of Planting Date and Method on Some Phytochemical Characteristics and Yield of Iranian Ox-Tongue (Echium amoenum) Affected by Bio and Chemical Fertilizers

Due to the importance of Iranian Ox-Tongue (Echium amoenum) as one of the most important pharmaceutical products used in many pharmaceutical, cosmetic and health industries, this study was done for simultaneous evaluation the effect of planting date and method and different biological and chemical fertilizers on some phytochemical characteristics of Iranian Ox-Tongue in Mashhad conditions.  

A split split plots experiment based on RCBD design with three replications was conducted in 2011-2013 growing seasons, in Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Iran. Two different planting dates (10 March 2011 and 4 April 2011), three different types of biofertilizers and chemical fertilizers, as mycorrhiza (Glomus mosseae), biosulfur, chemical fertilizer and control and two different types of planting methods (direct seeding and transplanting) assigned to main plots, sub plots and sub-sub plots, respectively.  

The results showed that the highest dry flower yield obtained in conditions of mycorrhiza application in March planting date and direct seeding. Application of mycorrhiza, biosulfur and chemical fertilizer in conditions of transplanting and March planting date increased seed yield 45, 42 and 35%, respectively. In April planting date antioxidant activity in direct seeding was more than transplanting. Application of mycorrhiza and biosulfur increased antioxidant activity 18 and 35% in direct seeding and 20 and 18% in transplanting compared to control, respectively. Mycorrhiza in April planting date increased total anthocyanin 28 and 27% in direct seeding and transplanting compared to control, respectively.  

In general, according to the results of this research, the planting method of direct seeding in March and application of ecological inputs of mycorrhiza and biosulfur is recommended to improve the yield and qualitative characteristics of Iranian Ox-Tongue.