Introduction to Сulture, Reproduction, and Productivity of Aromatic Plants of the Lamiaceae Family in the Central Polissia of Ukraine

Abstract

The introduction of new types of aromatic plants of the Lamiaceae family into the culture is relevant for the enrichment of the biological diversity of the flora of the Central Polissia of Ukraine, as well as for the expansion of the raw material base of spicy-aromatic, medicinal, food, decorative, and honey-bearing plants. The purpose of this study is to find methods of propagation of aromatic plants, best sowing times and feeding areas, and to obtain phytoraw and seed materials. Research methods: laboratory, field, statistical. It was established that the best period for sowing plants of the Lamiaceae family in the conditions of the botanical garden of the Polissia National University is the third decade of April. The use of various methods of propagation proves the expediency of propagation of all annual and perennial plant species under study by seeds, and for M. didyma, S. officinalis, L. vera, and O. vulgare – also by particles, rhizomes, transplanting, and propagule. It is recommended to place S. hortensis, D. moldavica, E. cristata, H. officinalis according to the scheme of 30x45 cm, L. vera, L. anisatus, N. transcaucasica, S. officinalis – 30x50 cm, and O. vulgare, S. sclarea, M. didyma, – 40x50 cm. Among the annual species, the highest productive potential was found in D. moldavica, the above-ground mass productivity of which was 24.7±1.7 t/ha; among perennials – in H. officinalis (38.9±0.2 t/ha) and L. anisatus (44.1±0.9 t/ha). The highest yield of essential oil in terms of absolutely dry substance was found in S. officinalis (1.2%), L. vera (1.808%) and H. angustifolius (2.054%). The results of research on reproduction methods can be used for growing new species of aromatic plants of the Lamiaceae family both on homesteads and in agricultural enterprises. The most productive types of aromatic plants should be introduced into production for further use of phytoraw materials and essential oil in pharmacy, food, and other sectors of the national economy.