Comparative study of essential oil yields of seven accessions of Artemisia herba-alba Asso, domesticated in Errachidia (southeast of Morocco)

Abstract

To produce essential oils of high commercial value, the present work consists of studying the essential oil yield of seven accessions of Artemisia herba-alba Asso collected from different locations in Morocco: Midelt, Boumeriem, Taznakt, Missour, Zawiat Sidi Hamza, Boudnib and Idelsane. These accessions have been domesticated in the experimental field of Errachidia (southeast of Morocco) before the extraction of their essential oil. This study showed that the yield of essential oil of the domesticated Artemisia herba-alba Asso varies significantly depending on its origin: from 0.35% to 2.35% (expressed in % of the dry plant material). The best yields were recorded for accessions of Idelsane followed by Boudnib. These yields are higher than those reported by Moroccan literature.