Application of Calcium and Magnesium Improves Yield and Essential Oil Yield of Oregano (Origanum vulgare ssp. hirtum)

摘要

Oregano is the most valued spice and is the common name for a general aroma and flavor primarily derived from more than 60 plants species used all over the world as a spice. One of the most important species that is grown commercially is Origanum vulgare ssp. hirtum (syn: O. heracleoticum L.) which is endemic to the Mediterranean area. Oregano is a crop species which is well adapted to dry land conditions and to calcareous soils. Although, oregano is well adapted to a wide range of growing conditionsand soils, nutritional disorders caused by Mg and Ca deficiency can be quite common especially on acid soils where Mg and Ca availability is significantly reduced (Marschner, 1995). While severe symptoms of Mg and Ca deficiency may not be found frequently it is known that Mg and Ca deficiency without the appearance of any visible foliage symptoms can significantly limit the yield of many crops (Marschner, 1995). The objectives of this study were to determine the effects of foliar Ca and Mg applicationson growth yield and essential oil content of oregano.