Estudos agronômicos e botânicos de erva-cidreira (quimiotipo limoneno-carvona)

Abstract

The objective of this work was to establish part of production tecnology of Lippia alba (Mill.) N. E. Brown limonene-carvone chemotype at Ceará state conditions, in order to get a major quantity of essential oil. The following aspects were observed: effects of 7 natural drying periods (0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 12 and 16 days) and 6 harvest times during the day (7, 9, 11 H a.m. and 1, 3, 5 H p.m.) on essential oil, limonene and carvone compounds yields, at the rayni and dry seasons; effects of organic fertilization (0, 2 and 4 Kg/m2) and cutting heights (15, 30 and 45 cm) on foliar biomass, essential oil and its compounds production; anatomical characteristics of leaves and their secretory structures. On can conclude that essential oil production is higher at the dry than at the rainy season. In both seasons, it was higher at the fourth drying period and at the 3 H p.m. harvest time. Limonene and carvone yields were affected by drying periods and harvest time. Dry matter and essential oil productions weren't influenced by fertilization. Highest dry matter production was observed at 45 cm cutting height. Highest essential oil productions were obtained at 30 and 45 cm cutting heights. Limonene and carvone yields were affected by fertilization and cutting heigt. The anatomical analysis showed that these plants follows the general pattern of Verbenoideae subfamily. Glandular trichomes were observed and described.