The effect of different harvest times on yield and quality of motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca L.)

This research was carried out to determine the effect of different harvest times (before flowering, full flowering period, post-floweing period) on the yield and quality of Leonurus cardiaca L. in the Çukurova region. The research was conducted in the trial area in Çukurova University, Faculty of Agriculture, Research Area of Department of Field Crops between 2019-2020. According to the data obtained, the highest plant height (57.33 cm), dry herb yield (92.93 kg / da) and dry matter yield (68.73%) in Leonurus cardiaca plant were obtained from the harvest in the post-flowering period. However, fresh herb yield (274.34 kg / da), dry leaf yield (53.36 kg / da) and leaf rate (63.63%) were determined in the harvest during the full flowering period. The highest essential oil content (0.022%) and essential oil yield (0.076 kg / da) were obtained in the pre-flowering period. Germacrene D, which is one of the main components of essential oil, has the highest pre-flowering period (17.16%), while Elemicin (13.16%) has the highest rate in full flowering period and Germacrene D (12.06%) is in the second place. In the post-flowering period, the highest endo-borneol (17.92%) came out, and Germacrene D (13.44%) ranked second. The optimal harves time for Leonurus cardiaca L. is 21 May 2020 for the preflowering period, 4 June 2020 for the full flowering period, and 17 July 2020 for the post Flowering period.