Effects of temperature and varieties on essential oil content and quantity features of chamomile

Abstract

In this study, interactive affects of temperature and chamomile varieties on essential oil contentin Iran were studied. The experiment was carried out in completely randomized block design with three replicates. Certain factors including chamomile varieties (‏‎Germania, Gorel andBodegold) and temperature (12, 15, 20 and 25°C) during seedling stage till planting. We noticed that high temperature significantly decreased the plants characteristics. Although the low temperature treatment significantly increased biological yield, flower yield, essential oil percentage and plant height. Also, chamomile varieties had significant effect on biological yield, flower yield, essential oil percentage and plant height. Our findings indicated significant difference in essential oil of chamomile varieties. Therefore, the selection of varieties that performs well over a wide range of environments can increase essential oil yield of chamomile plants.   Key words: Temperature, essential oil content, quantity features, chamomile varieties.