Changes in polyphenolic composition, physiological characteristics, and yield-related traits of Moshgak (Ducrosia anethifolia Boiss.) populations in response to drought stress

Ducrosia anethifolia (DC.) Boiss. is an aromatic medicinal plant that has been traditionally used as an analgesic to treat headaches, backaches, colic, and cold. This study evaluated the yield, physiological, and phytochemical traits of 24 populations for 2 consecutive years under the water stress condition. The seed yield and physiological traits demonstrated the highest values in the first and second year, respectively. Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), proline, malondialdehyde (MDA), and antioxidant activity enzymes were elevated, while chlorophyll, carotenoids, relative water content (RWC), and yield decreased under drought stress. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was also applied to assess the changes in some polyphenolic compounds in response to water stress. The increase in some phenolic compounds, such as p-coumaric acid, was recorded due to drought stress, while there was a decrease in flavonoids, that is luteolin and quercetin. Among the populations, Abarkuh2 indicated the highest increase in p-coumaric acid (96%) in response to drought stress. In general, high diversity among the studied populations provides new insights into choosing the beneficial populations for medicinal and food purposes.

Automated summary

This study evaluated the yield, physiological, and phytochemical traits of Ducrosia anethifolia under water stress conditions. The results showed that drought stress had different effects on seed yield and physiological traits. Additionally, drought stress also caused changes in some polyphenolic compounds.