Effects of different irrigation water levels on yield and yield characteristics in sage (Salvia officinalis) plant

This study was conducted as a pot experiment in Aydın province in 2022 and the effects of different drip irrigation water levels on the yield and yield characteristics of sage plants were investigated. In the study conducted with three replications according to the randomized plots experimental design; five different irrigation water levels were examined in which 40%, 60%, 80%, 100% and 120% of the amount of irrigation water required to bring the two-day decreasing moisture in the pots to the pot water holding capacity were applied. In the study, the amount of irrigation water applied to the subjects varied between 5,59- 16,76 L/plant, and plant water consumption values varied between 5,83-17,01 L/plant. Irrigation water levels in sage were found to be statistically significant at the level of p<0,01 on fresh herb and dry herb yields. While the average green herb yields varied between 26,7- 73,0 g/plant; dry herb yields varied between 20,3-30,3 g/plant. In terms of water use efficiency values; green herb WUE values varied between 3,75-4,57 g/L and drug herb WUE values varied between 1,78-3,49 g/L. Different irrigation water levels applied in the study had an effect on sage yield characteristics (plant height, plant diameter, plant branch number) and essential oil content (p<0,01). The highest essential oil content was obtained from I40 subject as 3,207 mL/100 g, while the lowest oil content was obtained from I120 subject as 0,830 mL/100 g. In conditions where irrigation water is sufficient and the cost of water is low, I120 subject, which has high wet and dry herb yields, can be recommended. However, in conditions where irrigation water is limited and the cost of water is low, I40 subject, which uses water more efficiently and yields higher essential oil content, can be recommended. Key Words: Drip irrigation, sage, Drug herb yield, Essential oil, Green herb yield, Water use efficiency