Effect of Biochar and Vermicompost on Growth Parameters and Physiological Characteristics of Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium L.) Under Drought Stress

Drought stress is one of the most prevalent problems that limit the growth and lifespan of plants. Knowing the specifics of plant response to drought stress can be useful in the management and development of plant cultivation. The feverfew plant (Tanacetum parthenium L.) is ornamental and medicinal plant native to Iran and its cultivation in the landscape seems valuable as a wildflower due to its beauty. The factorial experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of biochar and vermicompost on feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium L.) in loamy soils under drought stress conditions based on a completely randomized design (CRD) in three replicates. The results showed that drought stress caused a decrease in shoot fresh weight, shoot dry weight, root fresh weight, root dry weight, and leaf relative water content (RWC), compared to the control treatment. On the other hand, there was an increase in catalase enzyme because of the drought stress. By improving the soil condition, vermicompost and biochar caused an increase in fresh and dry weight of shoots and roots, chlorophyll content, and leaf RWC. However, it decreased the activity of catalase and superoxide dismutase enzyames. In general, the combination of vermicompost and biochar was the best treatment for enhancing the soil condition and increasing the growth characteristics of feverfew plants under drought stress.