تغییرات عملکرد و محتوای اسانس بابونه تحت سطوح مختلف کود زیستی در چین‌های مختلف

Biofertilizers contain living microorganisms which are applied to seed, plant and soil surfaces and promote growth by several mechanisms such as increasing the supply or availability of nutrients to the host plant. German chamomile is one of the most essential oil bearing herbs that is used in treatment of many diseases. Effects of four levels of biofertilizer including B0: no-inoculation, B1: inoculation with Azotobacter chroocuccum, B2: inoculation with Azospirillum lipoferum and B3: inoculation with the both bacteria, on yield and essential oil content of chamomile were investigated in 2008. An experiment was conducted on randomized complete block design with three replications at the Agricultural Research Station, University of Tabriz. Since 50% flowering of each plot, flowers were harvested every 10 days. Biofertilizers and cuttings were considered as main and sub-plots, respectively. Results indicated that biofertilizer increased flower yield, essential oil percent and essential oil yield, although these increases were not significant. Maximum flower and essential oil yield was related to second cutting and the maximum amount of essential oil was obtained from the first one. At all levels of biofertilizer, the highest essential oil percent was obtained from first cutting. However, the maximum essential oil percentage was related to Azotobacter treatment and third cutting. According to the results, biofertilizers (especially Azotobacter) have a positive effect on increasing yield and essential oil of chamomile. Also due to the high harvesting costs, harvesting up to three cuttings seems to be reasonable.