Coriandrum sativum L. (Apiaceae) is a well known herb, native to the Mediterranean region, also intensively cultivated in Romania. The essential oil obtained from Coriandri fructus posseses antimicrobial, antioxidant and anxiolytic effects. Many parameters such as genetic and climatic factors or agronomical practices can influence the yield and composition of the volatile fraction. Plant density is an important factor for the microenvironment in coriander field.
Aim: In order to study the effect of planting density on the yield of the essential oil and its composition, a bifactorial experiment was carried out on coriander plants (Sandra cultivar).
Material and method: The experiment was performed with three plant densities on the row (0, 15 and 20 cm); the distance between plant rows was 12.5, 25 and 50 cm, respectively. So, it resulted nine experimental variants. The essential oils obtained by hydrodistillation from fruits have been characterized using gas chromatography and mass spectroscopy analysis (GC-MS).
Results: The highest yield (7.9866 kg/ha) was obtained for the plants spaced at 20 cm in between and 25 cm row spacing. The highest content of monoterpene alcohols (50.96%) was obtained with 25 cm row spacing and plant spaced at 0 cm on the row. The main components in all oils were monoterpene alcohols (40.75% - 50.96%) and monoterpenes (32.43-38.44%).
Conclusion: The essential oil of coriander fruits (Sandra cultivar) does not meet the requirements of the European Pharmacopoeia, especially concerning the content in linalool. Nevertheless, the high content in monoterpene alcohols and monoterpenes recommends the use of the essential oil as immunomodulatory, analgesic and antiinflammatory agent in rheumatology and also as an antibacterial and antiviral agent. Consequently, the changes in yield and composition of the essential oil of Sandra coriander should be assesed during several periods of vegetation in order to conclude on its pharmaceutical quality.