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DOI: 10.1055/s-0028-1084958
The effects of different level of nitrogen and plant density on flower yield and essential oils content of two improved chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) cultivars: „Bodegold“ and „Germania“
Field experiment was carried out at the Ferdowsi University research field, Mashhad, Iran in 2007, to determine the best level of N-fertilization in relation to plant density of improved chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L. Asteraceae) cultivars. The experimental design was split-plot on the base of randomized complete blocks design with three replications. Main plots were plant density including 20, 25, 40 and 50 plant/m2 and subplots were nitrogen (Urea, 46% nitrogen) including 0, 10 and 20g/m2. The results indicate that in „Bodegold“, increasing plant density and N-fertilization improved flower and essential oil yield significantly. The highest yield and essential oils content in „Bodegold“ was detected in 20g/m2 urea with 50 plant/m2 density. In „Germania“, plant density had significant effect on flower and essential oil yield (but no urea treatment). Maximum flower and essential oil yield obtained in 50 plant/m2 density. Using 10g/m2 urea produced maximum essential oil content and yield, whereas the highest dry flower yield was obtained using 20g/m2 urea. The combined effect of nitrogen and plant density had significant effect on dry flower yield. The highest dry flower yield was obtained using 20g/m2 urea with 50 plant/m2 density.