RENDIMENTO DE ÓLEO ESSENCIAL E CRESCIMENTO DE Tetradenia riparia (HOCHST.) CODD. EM DIFERENTES CONDIÇÕES DE CULTIVO

Abstract

Tetradenia riparia (Hochst.) Codd, commonly known as false myrrh, is recognized for its medicinal properties and its potential for essential oil production. Understanding the influence of environmental factors on plant growth and essential oil yield may contribute to the development of cultivation strategies aimed at maximizing biomass and oil production. This study evaluated the effects of solar radiation and controlled water deficit on the growth and essential oil yield of Tetradenia riparia. The experiment was conducted at the Federal Goiano Institute – Ceres Campus, using a completely randomized design with four treatments: T1 = shaded environment without water deficit; T2 = shaded environment with controlled water deficit; T3 = full sun without water deficit; and T4 = full sun with controlled water deficit. Plant growth parameters and essential oil yield from false myrrh leaves were evaluated. Controlled water deficit, under both shaded and full-sun conditions, reduced fresh and dry biomass accumulation as well as root system volume. However, water deficit promoted higher essential oil yield in the leaves. These results indicate that controlled water stress may be a viable strategy for increasing essential oil production in T. riparia, despite its negative effects on vegetative growth.