Growth, biochemical components and ion content of Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.) under salinity stress and iron deficiency

The effect of salinity and iron deficiency on growth, proline, carbohydrate and ion content in Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.) was evaluated in controlled environment. Salinity treatment was 0, 50, 100 and 150 mM NaCl in nutrient solution and iron (Fe) treatment was F0 = the same nutrient solution without Fe and F1 = standard nutrient solution containing 100 μM Fe (Fe-sufficient medium). Results indicated that increasing salinity from 0 to 150 mM, decreased fresh weight of shoot (76.3%) and increased of root fresh weight (53.8%). However, application of Fe to the nutrient solution significantly increased fresh weight of root and shoot. A two-way ANOVA indicated a significant main effect of salinity and iron on the proline and soluble carbohydrate contents in plant leaves. Salinity significantly increased proline and soluble carbohydrate in leaves. Maximum proline and carbohydrate content in leaves of chamomile plants were obtained at salinity and iron deficiency treatments. Salinity treatment significantly increased Na+ concentration of plants, whereas potassium concentration of plants in shoot (37.6%) and root (46.1%) decreased. Salinity also decreased Fe content in root and shoot of chamomile plants. By application Fe into nutrient solution, Na+ concentration in shoot and root decreased but K+ and Fe content in root and shoot increased.