干旱区生态环境知识资源中心

Identification and determination of ecological requirements in medicinal plants is necessary for maintaining them in their habitats. The aim of this study was to assess the effect soil properties and climatic factors of various habitats on morphology, phenology, growth characteristics and essential oil quantity and quality of Perovskia abrotanoides Karel in Iran. Six most important habitats of P. abrotanoides were identified in Khorasan province of Iran. Multiple regression and stepwise technique were used to determinate relationship between ecological parameters (climate and soil) and growth characteristics of P. abrotanoides. The results showed that P. abrotanoides grows in sandy texture, natural pH and low electrical conductivity soils. Performed regression analysis between climatic variables and growth period showed that 96% of variation in the plant growth period can be described by altitude, precipitation and temperature. Temperature had the highest effect on P. abrotanoides growth than other parameters. Growth characteristics of P. abrotanoides was better in the region with Mediterranean climate compared to other habitats due to higher soil organic matter. Evaluation of essential oil percentage in different habitats showed that the highest value was gained in regions with arid climate. Percentage of soil organic matter and average temperature showed the highest correlation with essential oil value compared to the other ecological parameters. The results demonstrated that ecological factors significantly affected on essential oil composition of P. abrotanoides. Camphor and 1,8-cineole were the major essential oil constituents. Among the all ecological parameters, soil phosphorus and precipitation had more influence on camphor and 1,8-cineole values.