The effects of cutting time on yield and quality charecters of sage (Salvia officinalis L.) grown Tokat-Kazova conditions

Salvia officinalis L. is an aromatic plant from Lamiaceae family that grows mainly in the Mediterranean region. This study was conducted to investigate yield and quality characteristics of sage (Salvia officinalis L.) in Tokat-Kazova region. The study was carried out in 2011 on sage (Salvia officinalis L.) plantations, which were refreshed at 3 years age, in Tokat-Kazova testing areas. The study was conducted according to randomized block design with three replications and four different harvesting period were investigated in two different seasons (autumn and summer). In this study, plant height and yields (green herba, dry herba, dry leaf yield, dry matter ratio, essential oil yield, essential oil ratio) and essential oil components were examined. Essential oils were distilled with Clevenger apparatus and their composition was determined by GC / MS and GC-FID. Four harvests were made in both periods and all values in Autumn were higher except the dry leaf ratio and essential oil yield. For medicinal sage plant height was between 20.5-32.0 cm; green herba yield was between 733.4-1562.2 kg / da; dry herba yield was between 184.1-533.7 kg / da; dry leaf yield was between 110.7-202.6 kg / da; dry matter rate was between 20.7-31%; essential oil content was between 0.14-0.19%; and essential oil yield was between 1.6-3.5 liters / da. In this study sage plant's main component (α-tuyon, 1.8 cineol and camphor) ratios ranged between 27.4-33.2%, 9.29-14.74%, and 16.6-21.14%, respectively. The highest α-tuyon ratio was obtained in summer 4th harvest time with 33.2%. According to this study, it is determined that sage cultivation can be done successfully in the region and Salvia officinalis L can be produced for pharmaceutical industry due to its high volatile oil content and ingredients.