The Effect of Diurnal Variation on Some Yield and Quality Characteristics of Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia Mill.) under Çukurova Ecological Conditions

Abstract

Lavender as called Lavandula angustifolia Mill. is used for many purposes such as pharmaceutical, cosmetics etc industry. The aim of this study is to determine the effects of different harvest hours on yield, essential oil and essential oil yield in lavender. The research was conducted a randomized complete block design with three replications under Karaisalı/Adana ecological conditions. Flowering lavender plants were harvested every two hours starting from 8 am at five different times. The fresh herb yield, dry herb yield, drug flos yield, essential oil content and essential oil yield were determined in 2014 and 2015. The highest means were obtained from harvestings at 8 in morning when lowest means were recorded at harvesting at 14 in afternoon for both drug flos and essential oil yield in similar. Based on the results from research of two years, it was concluded that it would be suitable to harvest in early morning for obtaining high drug flos and essential oil yields.