Effect of water stress on essential oil yield and storage capability of Matricaria chamomilla L.

Abstract

To evaluate the effect of water stress on yield and storage capability (essential oil percentage, yield and harvest index during five years storage period) of Matricaria chamomilla L., a field experiment was conducted in 2005. Water stress treatments of irrigation after 30, 60, 90 and 120 mm evaporation from pan class A, were arranged as randomized complete block design with six replications. The harvested material was stored for five years and essential oil was extracted yearly. Results of the first year of experiment indicated that the highest (1347 kg/ha and 10084 g/ha) and lowest (952.2 kg/ha and 6672 g/ha) yields of dried flower and essential oil were obtained from irrigation after 60 and 120 mm evaporation from pan, respectively. Results from stored plant material (5-year data of storage) showed a significant effect during storage on essential oil percentage, yield of essential oil, harvest index of essential oil, reduction of essential oil percentage and yield. Means comparisons from the 5-year data indicated that the highest percentage and yield of essential oil (0.715% and 8442 g/ha) was observed at first year. After that, there was a 27% reduction trend in essential oil percentage to the 5-year storage result. So, the lowest essential oil content and yield (0.194% and 2335 g/ha) was obtained from flowers at the fifth year of storage. Key words: Chamomilla recutita, dried flower yield, excess water, storage quality, water deficit.