Variation of Albanian Vitex Agnus Castus L. Fruits Essential Oil Yield Relating Geographic Position

Abstract

This study investigates variation of Albanian Vitex Agnus Castus L. essential oil yield relating geographic position. Twelve samples were taken for this study. Sampling was done on different locations, from north to south Albania, during October, 2017 the main harvesting period, when the seed is fully matured. At each location fruits were collected randomly, from a large number of plants, representing the population of the sampling station. Samples were comminuted before extraction, and essential oils were obtained by hydro-distillation method, using a Clevenger-type apparatus. The mean oil yield obtained from all samples was 0.49 %. For different locations, it varies from 0.74% Gjader/V5 & Vau i Dejes/V3 to 0.15% Seman/V7. A considerable variation is seen between different locations of Albanian Vitex Agnus Castus L. High yielding populations are located mostly in north and north-west of Albania, mostly in the same environment such as near the sea or near a river bed. Samples taken in west and southwest, show a moderate yield percentage, Seman/V7 station show the lowest yield percentage 0.15%, due to a more inland location comparing to other stations.