Effect of drought stress on phytochemical active compound, growth and enzyme activity in achillea millefolium

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the water requirement and drought tolerance of Achillea millefolium as a medicinal plant. This experiment was conducted in a completely randomized block design with four levels of drought stress (FC = 100% approximately every 4 days (control groups);FC = 75% approximately every 8 days (low-tension);FC = 50% irrigation every 12 days (mid-tension), and irrigation every 20 days at FC = 25% (severe tension) in two years with three replications and under field conditions. The results of this experiment showed that the effect of stress levels and years on morphological, biochemical and essential oil individually was significant, but their interaction was not significant. The dry weight of shoot and root, plant height, number of shoots, stomatal resistance, chlorophyll, essential oil content and antioxidant enzymes were affected by increasing tension levels. Among extracted essential oils, Cam- phore had the highest share in compounds in two years. The results showed that quality and quantity of the essential oils vary in different years and had different pharmaceutical actions. Because the chemical compound had the highest share in compounds, it can be used for medical and pharmaceutic industry.