The effect of water stress and three sources of fertilizers on flower yield, physiological parameters and nutrient uptake in chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.)

In order to study the effects of water stress and three sources of fertilizers on flower yield, physiological parameters (chlorophyll a and b, proline and carbohydrate concentration), sodium and potassium in Chamomile (Matricaria chamomoilla L.) a field experiment in split plot design with three replications was conducted in 2008 at Zabol University. Treatments included W1 (90% FC or Control), W2 (75% FC) and W3 (50% FC) as main plot and three sources of fertilizers: F1 (Control or non fertilizer application), F2 (chemical fertilizer), F3 (manure fertilizer) and F4 (compost) as sub plots. Results showed water stress at W3 treatment, reduced dry flower yield about 18.1%. In this study, however the highest flower yield was obtained from W1 and use of chemical fertilizer treatments but at W3 treatment, among the fertilizer, manure fertilizer had the best effect on flower yield in Chamomile. Water stress increased the activity of substance but the highest active substance was obtained in W2 and use of chemical fertilizer. In this experiment, chlorophyll a and b and K contents in leaves by impact of water stress decreased but free proline, total soluble carbohydrate concentration and sodium were increased under water stress. Use of manure fertilizer had the highest positive effects on physiological parameters and potassium uptake under water stress in chamomile.