Variability of Salvia sclarea economically valuable traits in the Crimea Foothills conditions
Manifestation of economically valuable characteristics of crop varieties is significantly influenced by the weather and climatic conditions of the cultivation region. The purpose of this study is to analyze variability of productivity and biochemical characteristics of Salvia sclarea cultivars selected by the Research Institute of Agriculture of Crimea in the Foothills of Crimea conditions. The study was conducted over a period of eight years (2018-2025) in the scientific crop rotation of the essential-oil crops breeding and seed production center at the Research Institute of Agriculture in Crimea located in the Foothills of Crimea in accordance with the developed methodological recommendations. The study used C785, Krymskiy Pozdniy, Taygan and Orfey cultivars. It was shown that the highest productivity can be expected under conditions of moderately high temperatures and sufficient rainfall during the growing season of two-year-old plants. Thus, in the most favorable conditions during the study period in 2022, the yield of inflorescences ranged from 227,5±14,2 to 292,9±11,3 c/ha and the potential yield of essential oil ranged from 59,5±0,9 to 77,3±13,9 kg/ha. The minimum and maximum values are provided for Orfei and Taigan cultivars respectively. The content of the essential oil main component (linalyl acetate) was also recorded for most cultivars in 2022-year conditions, reaching up to 66,3±0,4 % for the Orfei variety. As for sklareol, its maximum content in raw materials and potential yield were recorded in the extremely hot and dry conditions of 2025 year: 3,27±0,3 (Taigan) - 4,08±1,0 % (C 785) and 13,1±2,4 (Krymsky Pozdny) – 18,5±3,8 kg/ha (C 785) respectively. The main factor affecting formation of productivity and biochemical indicators in Salvia sclarea is weather conditions during active vegetation period of the plants in the second year of vegetation. The conditions of plant development in the first year of vegetation are also important for the formation of the main indicators. The information obtained will allow for the prediction of the main economically valuable indicators in specific conditions of Salvia sclarea growing.