Effect of Foliar Application Methanol on the Quality and Quantityof Artemisia dracunculus L.

In order to study the effect of foliar application of methanol on the quality and yield of Artemisia dracunculus L., an experiment was carried out in a randomized complete blocks design with 3 replications in northern of Iran. In this experiment, treatment was considered in five levels of methanol (0) control (10, 20, 30 and 40 % V/V) in the form of spraying on the plant. The first stage of treatment was administered in April 2014 after planting the sprouts in the third week. The second stage of treatment took place in the middle of growing season during the sixth week within the planting and just before flowering phase and the third stage of treatment was at start of flowering phase (tenth week). The results of the Variance Analysis of this experiment showed that methanol had significant effect on all tested traits (P<0.01 in Duncan's MRT). The highest fresh weight, dry weight, crown diameter, leaf number, stem length, total chlorophyll content, dry yield and essential oil content were obtained from the treatment with 40% V/V methanol. Given its importance in the food and pharmaceutical industries, A. dracunculus L. can be considered as an important plant. The use of methanol as a safe substance for human health, and the resultant high efficiency with respect to the plant make it necessary for the production of this plant.