Influence of Phenological Stages on Yield and Quality of Oregano ( Origanum vulgare L.) Under the Agroclimatic Condition of Doon Valley (Uttarakhand)

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted under the agroclimatic conditions of Doon valley, in order to determine the effects of phenological stages on herbage yield and quality of oil in oregano ( Origanum vulgare L.). Plants were harvested in five phenological stages, i.e. early vegetative, late vegetative, flower initiation, full bloom, and fruit set stages. Results showed the significant effects of phenological stages on herbage, yield, and quality of oregano. Harvesting at full bloom stage showed better results in terms of herbage and oil yield. The quality of essential oil was evaluated using GC and GC/MS. Thymol content was rich in all the stages (46.90-62.26%) followed by γ-terpinene (1.11-11.75%) and p-cymene (3.11-5.32%).