Determination of yield and quality characteristics of immortal flower (Helichyrsum italicum) plant conditions at different growth periods in Çukurova

Immortal flower is a plant that is traded around the world and whose essential oil is valuable, it is important for its therapeutic properties and is used as an anti-aging agent in the cosmetic industry. This research, yield and quality characteristics (plant height, fresh and dry herb yields, fresh and dry flower yields) as well as essential oil content and its constituents were determined at different growth stages (beginning of flowering, full flowering and post flowering) of immortelle (Helichyrsum italicum) under Çukurova conditions. As a result of the research, the highest plant height (47.80 cm), fresh herb yield (784.83 kg/ha), dry herb yield (361.32 kg/ha), fresh flower (203.80 kg/ha) and dry flower yield (111.64 kg/ha) of immortelle (H. italicum) plants were obtained from the harvest made after flowering. The highest flower essential oil content (0.88%) was obtained at the beginning of flowering and essential oil yield (0.40 l/ha) was obtained at full flowering. The main components of essential oil in H. italicum at three different harvesting times were α-pinene (15.11-22.16%), γ-curcumene (7.57-18.2%), neryl acetate (6.31-8.53%), italidione I (8.25-14.72%), italidione II (5.38-8.98%), caryophyllene (3.66-4.43%), β-selinene (4.27-5.36%). According to this study, considering the yield and essential oil quality, the most suitable harvesting time for H. italicum was determined to be the beginning of flowering and full flowering period.