In the present trial the effects of low temperatures on the surviving of chamomile seedlings originated from two different origins (local and imported seeds) was evaluated on the development, yield and concentration of quercetin. Forty to 10 cm high seedlings from the two origins were transferred to a germination chamber (BOD) during 24 hours and submitted to the conditions: 10 h with light and 15ºC; 8 h without light and 10ºC; 3 h without light and 5ºC; 3 h without light and temperatures ranging from 0 (check), -2, -4, and -6ºC. The seedlings from national seeds were more susceptible to the temperatures of -4 and -6ºC. There were 462% more flowers per plant and 226% more dry matter accumulation per plant in the plants originated from national seeds compared to the plantlets from imported seeds. Chamomile plants regrew and showed higher yield when submitted to temperatures of -6ºC. The national and imported plants showed the same concentration of quercetin.
Matricaria chamomilla; medicinal plants; cold; resistance
