Variation of Albanian Salvia Officinalis L. Yield and Essential Oil Composition in Different Harvesting Seasons and Years

The aim of this study is to investigate chemical composition of Salvia Officinalis L. essential oil relating three factors: geographic position, year and harvesting season and the relationship of these factors with each other. Thirteen representative samples were taken for this study, on five locations, in north and south Albania. They were collected in two consecutive years, 2017-2018, and two harvesting periods, June and September. Essential oil extraction was done with Clevenger-type apparatus and each of them was analyzed using GC-FID and GC MS/MS. Yield percentage for different geographic positions but the same year, and harvesting period, June 2017, varies from 2.32% to 3%. During the flowering stage (June), yield percentage is higher (2.3 to 3.0 %) than during the beginning of the fruiting phase (September), (2 to 2.2%). South Albania sage belonged to the camphor ecotype, with a higher percentage during June (41.3% to 43.6%) and lower in September (31.1% to 36.3%). North sage belonged to α-thujone ecotype, with a higher percentage in June (28.4% to 37.3%) and lower in September. The year factor in this study shows a lower effect in essential oil composition and yield percentage. Data obtained from this study are indicative and may be helpful for future commercial cultivation of the Salvia officinalis L. plant. The results of this study, provides indicative information on the selection of the best variety of Salvia officinalis L. to use, in a particular site and harvesting season.