Chemical description and essential oil yield variability of different accessions of Salvia lavandulifolia.

The amount and chemical composition of essential oils are crucial for the modulation of the flavor, scent and therapeutic properties of aromatic and medicinal plants. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of phenology and weather conditions on the essential oil yield obtained from the aerial parts of Salvia lavandulifolia Vahl. Besides, we tried to carry out an approach to the chemical composition at the time of full bloom. Essential oil production of several accessions was monitored throughout the whole phenological cycle, both, at the original location growing wild and at the experimental plot as cultivated plants. Local pedoclimatic conditions seem to be crucial for the plant essential oil production. Our results showed high conditioning rates from both yearly climatic conditions and developmental stage of the plants. Maximum yield production was reported at the full seed maturation stage (average 1.74%) and after a slight dry period (average 2.16%). Phytochemical differences were maintained when plants were forced to grow under common pedoclimatic conditions. Thereby, essential oil analysis showed some populations formed by clearly distinct individuals while others had more homogenous plants. Compounds such alpha-pinene, beta-pinene + myrcene, limonene, 1,8-cineol, camphor and beta-caryophyllene were the main compounds of the essential oils of S. lavandulifolia.