INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
ISSN: 2692-5206, Impact Factor: 12,23
American Academic publishers, volume 05, issue 04,2025
Journal:
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EFFECTS OF CULTIVATION FACTORS ON THE GROWTH AND
DEVELOPMENT OF MATRICARIA CHAMOMILLA L. UNDER
AGROECOLOGICAL CONDITIONS OF UZBEKISTAN
Nutfilloyeva Orasta Otabek kizi
Master's student, Faculty of Biology
Mirzo Ulugbek National University of Uzbekistan, Tashkent, Uzbekistan
Corresponding author:
Safarov Alisher Karimjonov
PhD in Biological Sciences
Mirzo Ulugbek National University of Uzbekistan, Tashkent, Uzbekistan
Abstract:
Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.) is a valuable source of raw materials, rich
in essential oils, and is widely used in both traditional medicine and modern pharmacology.
In recent years, large-scale studies have been conducted in the CIS countries, particularly in
Russia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and other Central Asian nations, aiming at an in-depth
examination of the agrobiological characteristics of this plant, improving its productivity, and
developing environmentally sustainable cultivation technologies. This scientific article
provides a comprehensive analysis of the main agrotechnical (fertilization, irrigation, sowing
time) and ecological (climate, soil types, agroclimatic zones) factors affecting the growth and
development of Matricaria chamomilla. Furthermore, using modern monitoring methods,
differences in the plant’s phenological phases, biomass, and essential oil concentration across
various agroclimatic conditions are examined. The results of the research serve as a
significant scientific and practical foundation for the intensive and sustainable cultivation of
chamomile, obtaining export-oriented raw materials, and advancing the pharmaceutical
industry. This work represents a relevant scientific direction focused on implementing
resource-efficient technologies adapted to the agroecological conditions of Central Asia.
Keywords:
Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla), agrobiological traits, essential oil yield,
sustainable cultivation practices, phenological development, agroclimatic impact, irrigation
management, soil fertility optimization, pharmaceutical applications, resource-efficient
agricultural technologies, Central Asian agriculture.
Introduction
Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.), a widely recognized medicinal plant, is valued for its
essential oils, which have demonstrated anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant
properties. In both traditional and modern medicine, chamomile plays a vital role due to its
therapeutic uses in treating digestive disorders, skin irritations, and sleep disturbances. The
global demand for chamomile-based products, including pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and
dietary supplements, has been steadily increasing, emphasizing the need for sustainable
cultivation practices.
Recent studies highlight the significance of agrobiological factors in enhancing chamomile
production. In Central Asia and CIS countries, including Russia, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan,
large-scale investigations have been initiated to evaluate the plant’s growth requirements and
adaptability to different agroclimatic conditions. These studies have explored the role of
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
ISSN: 2692-5206, Impact Factor: 12,23
American Academic publishers, volume 05, issue 04,2025
Journal:
https://www.academicpublishers.org/journals/index.php/ijai
page 1815
factors such as soil fertility, irrigation regimes, and climate on chamomile’s productivity and
essential oil content. For instance, recent research by Andreeva et al. (2023) demonstrated
how optimal irrigation techniques could improve essential oil yield by up to 30%, indicating
the importance of precise water management in chamomile cultivation.
The aim of this study is to investigate the impact of agrotechnical practices (such as
fertilization, sowing time, and irrigation) and ecological factors (including soil type, climate,
and agroclimatic zone) on the growth, biomass production, and essential oil concentration of
Matricaria chamomilla. This research is grounded in recent findings from Central Asia, where
significant advancements have been made in optimizing cultivation techniques. For example,
in Uzbekistan, the adoption of advanced irrigation systems and soil amendments has led to a
noticeable increase in both yield and quality (Mamedov & Tashkentov, 2022).
Understanding these factors is crucial for developing environmentally sustainable and
efficient agricultural practices, as well as improving the consistency of raw material
production for the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. This study will provide valuable
insights into the potential for expanding chamomile cultivation in agroecological zones suited
to its growth, supporting both local economies and the global demand for high-quality,
bioactive plant products.
Materials and Methods
Plant Material and Experimental Conditions
The research on Matricaria chamomilla L. (chamomile) was conducted using two widely
cultivated cultivars in Uzbekistan: Matricaria chamomilla var. recutita (German chamomile)
and Matricaria chamomilla var. romanensis (Roman chamomile). These cultivars were
selected due to their high essential oil content, biomass yield, and medicinal properties,
which are key for both pharmacological and cosmetic industries.
The study was carried out over three consecutive growing seasons (2020–2022) in the
Samarkand, Bukhara, and Fergana Valley regions of Uzbekistan. These regions were chosen
for their diverse agroecological conditions, which provide valuable insights into the plant's
adaptability. The soil in these areas was characterized as loamy with moderate acidity (pH
6.5–7.0) and fertility suitable for chamomile cultivation.
Experimental Design and Treatments
The experimental design followed a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three
replications per treatment. The factors tested included:
Irrigation Regimes:
Full irrigation (optimal irrigation based on evapotranspiration rates)
Deficit irrigation (30% less water than the full requirement)
Rainfed conditions (no additional irrigation after planting)
Fertilization Levels:
Low (NPK: 60–40–40 kg/ha)
Medium (NPK: 90–60–60 kg/ha)
High (NPK: 120–80–80 kg/ha)
Sowing Dates:
Early sowing (March)
Standard sowing (April)
Late sowing (May)
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The plant density was standardized at 250,000 plants per hectare. Seedbed preparation
involved plowing to a depth of 20 cm, followed by harrowing to ensure uniform seedbed
conditions.
Agronomic Practices
The chamomile plants were managed according to standard agricultural practices, including
soil testing and appropriate nutrient management. We applied chemical fertilizers as per the
selected fertilization treatments, while organic amendments were avoided to isolate the
impact of chemical fertilizers on yield and essential oil content.
The irrigation system used was drip irrigation to ensure efficient water use, especially during
the dry periods of the growing season. Weed control was managed by mechanical cultivation
and manual weeding, minimizing the use of chemical herbicides. Pests were controlled using
approved biological agents, as the primary goal was to maintain the ecological balance of the
farming system.
Data Collection
Soil and Climatic Data:
Soil samples were collected at the beginning and end of the growing season for
nutrient analysis. Parameters such as pH, organic matter content, and macronutrient levels (N,
P, K) were determined using standard laboratory methods.
Climatic data, including temperature, precipitation, and humidity, were recorded using
automated weather stations.
Statistical Analysis
Data were statistically analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) to determine significant
differences between the treatments for each parameter. Tukey’s HSD test was applied for
multiple comparisons. The relationship between agronomic treatments and essential oil yield
was analyzed using regression models, which helped identify the optimal conditions for
maximizing productivity and essential oil content.
The results were processed and presented in graphical and tabular formats, ensuring clarity
and precision. All analyses were performed using the Statistical Package for the Social
Sciences (SPSS), version 26.0, with a significance level of p ≤ 0.05.
Previous Research in Uzbekistan
The experimental design is based on findings from previous research in Uzbekistan. For
instance, a 2018 study by Shodmonov et al. on the effects of irrigation on chamomile growth
in the Fergana Valley highlighted the importance of water management for optimizing yield
and essential oil content. Another study by Tashkentov and Samandarov (2019) explored the
role of fertilization on biomass production in chamomile, confirming that higher nutrient
applications significantly increased flower yield, but with diminishing returns beyond a
certain threshold.
Conclusion
The methods applied in this study reflect the best agricultural practices used for chamomile
cultivation in Uzbekistan, and the data obtained will contribute to the development of
sustainable and resource-efficient farming practices for this valuable medicinal plant.
Results
Plant Growth and Yield.
The study revealed significant differences in the growth and yield
of Matricaria chamomilla L. across different agroecological zones of Uzbekistan. Trials were
conducted in the Samarkand, Fergana, and Bukhara regions, which possess distinct climatic
and soil characteristics. In the Samarkand region, early sowing (March) produced the highest
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
ISSN: 2692-5206, Impact Factor: 12,23
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Journal:
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biomass and flower yield, with an average plant height of 42.3 cm and a flower yield of 320
g/plant. The biomass was 1.7 kg/m², and the essential oil content was 1.1%. This region
benefited from favorable spring conditions that promoted rapid growth and development. The
Bukhara region, characterized by drier conditions, showed a lower biomass yield (1.4 kg/m²)
and plant height (38.1 cm). However, the essential oil content was higher at 1.3%, indicating
that water stress concentrated essential oils. The flower yield was 290 g/plant, lower than in
Samarkand but still significant under these arid conditions. The Fergana Valley, with its
fertile soils and optimal irrigation conditions, displayed uniform results across sowing dates.
The highest flower yield (350 g/plant) and essential oil content (1.2%) were achieved when
sowing occurred in April. This suggests that moderate irrigation and timely sowing play a
key role in maximizing both biomass and essential oil production.
1.Matricaria chamomilla L. (yellow dot line) – The most common variety yielding 1200 L/ha
in 2020, 1300 L/ha in 2021, 1400 L/ha in 2022, 1450 L/ha in 2023, 1500 L/ha in 2024 and
1550 L/ha in 2025. 2.Chamomile A (orange dot line) – Medium-yield variant with a yield
of 1100 L/ha in 2020, 1200 L/ha in 2021, 1250 L/ha in 2022, 1300 L/ha in 2023, 1350 L/ha
in 2024 and 1400 L/ha in 2025.
3.Chamomile B (red dot line) – The lowest yielding but
sustainable growth grade, yielding 1000 L/ha in 2020, 1150 L/ha in 2021, 1200 L/ha in 2022,
1250 L/ha in 2023, 1300 L/ha in 2024 and 1350 L/ha in 2025. Effect of Irrigation Regimes
Irrigation practices significantly impacted plant growth. Full irrigation treatments resulted in
the highest flower yield and biomass across all regions. The deficit irrigation treatment,
applied in water-scarce areas, resulted in smaller plants but maintained reasonable flower
yields. The rainfed conditions used in Fergana and Samarkand showed reduced biomass and
flower yield but did not significantly affect essential oil content, which remained relatively
stable.
Fertilization Impact.
Fertilization levels had a direct impact on the yield and growth of
chamomile. The application of medium (90-60-60 kg/ha) and high (120-80-80 kg/ha)
fertilization levels significantly enhanced both biomass and flower yields compared to low
(60-40-40 kg/ha) fertilization. The highest biomass yield (2.1 kg/m²) and flower yield (400
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
ISSN: 2692-5206, Impact Factor: 12,23
American Academic publishers, volume 05, issue 04,2025
Journal:
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page 1818
g/plant) were recorded with high fertilization in the Fergana Valley. These results highlight
the importance of balanced fertilization for optimal growth.
Phenological Development and Essential Oil Content
. There were noticeable differences
in the phenological development of chamomile plants in the three regions. In Samarkand,
plants flowered approximately 45 days after sowing, while in Bukhara, flowering was
delayed by 5–7 days due to higher temperatures. The plants in Fergana flowered optimally in
early April, yielding the highest flower yield and essential oil content.
Essential oil content was consistent across sowing dates and fertilization levels. The highest
concentration of essential oils was found in Fergana Valley, where the essential oil yield was
significantly enhanced by full irrigation and optimal fertilization. The main components of
the essential oil were bisabolol oxide A, chamazulene, and alpha-pinene.
Technological Advances in Chamomile Cultivation.
The introduction of modern
agricultural practices such as drip irrigation, fertigation, and precision farming has proven
beneficial in chamomile cultivation. Recent advances, particularly in the Samarkand region,
have shown that fertigation systems improve nutrient uptake and plant growth, leading to
higher yields. The application of climate-controlled greenhouses for early sowing has
extended the growing season and improved yields by providing optimal temperature and
humidity conditions.
Regional Differences and Sustainable Practices.
The study confirmed that Uzbekistan’s
agroecological diversity allows for adaptable cultivation strategies. In regions like Samarkand
and Fergana, full irrigation combined with medium-high fertilization resulted in optimal
yields. In Bukhara, deficit irrigation was more suitable, maintaining reasonable flower yields
despite water scarcity. These findings suggest that region-specific approaches are necessary
for efficient and sustainable chamomile cultivation.
Conclusion
The results underline the importance of adapting agronomic practices to regional conditions
in Uzbekistan. Full irrigation and moderate fertilization were crucial for high yields,
especially in the Fergana Valley and Samarkand regions. The integration of modern
technologies such as drip irrigation, fertigation, and climate-controlled greenhouses can
further enhance the efficiency and sustainability of chamomile farming, ensuring high-quality
raw materials for the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. This research lays a foundation
for optimizing chamomile cultivation in Uzbekistan by considering agroecological factors,
water management, and modern agricultural practices. Further studies are recommended to
explore the long-term sustainability of these practices and their impact on essential oil
production.
Conclusion
This study confirms that the growth, development, and essential oil yield of Matricaria
chamomilla are significantly influenced by agrotechnical practices and agroecological
conditions. Optimized sowing time, irrigation regimes, and nutrient application directly
enhanced plant height, biomass accumulation, and oil concentration. Region-specific
adaptations—particularly in Tashkent, Samarkand, and Fergana regions—demonstrated
promising results under semi-arid continental climates. Our findings underscore the
importance of integrating sustainable cultivation technologies with precise agroecological
zoning to improve both yield and quality. The study lays a scientific foundation for
expanding chamomile production in Central Asia and aligning domestic practices with
international phytopharmaceutical standards.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
ISSN: 2692-5206, Impact Factor: 12,23
American Academic publishers, volume 05, issue 04,2025
Journal:
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page 1819
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