Seed Yields and Essential Oil of Northern-Grown Coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.)

Abstract

ABSTRACT Cultivars of coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) were grown at several locations in Western Canada in 1994, 1995, and 1996 for analysis of seed weights, essential oil content of seed, and percent linalool in the essential oil. The six large-seed selections had 1000-seed weights of 9.2 to 9.9 g, 0.83 to 0.90 percent essential oil, and 60.7 to 62.5 percent linalool in the oil. Early seeding resulted in the highest seed yields, seed weights, linalool content, and essential oil yield for both small-seed and large-seed cultivars. Splitting the seeds (fruits) prior to seeding to reduce seeding costs did not adversely affect seed yield, seed size, or chemical composition of the essential oil. Irrigation increased the seed yield and essential oil content, but decreased seed weights and percent linalool in the essential oil. The essential oil yields of approximately 20 liters/ha for small-seed cultivars appeared adequate to sustain commercial production in Western Canada.