Production of Valeriana officinalis roots in different soil structure in East Albania
- Publication Type
- Poster
- Authors
- Karaj, S; Gruda, N; Buscher, M; Müller, J
- Year of publication
- 2017
- Published in
- ISHS Acta Horticulturae Symposium 580
- Series/labeling
- Symposium 580
- Conference name
- VII South-Eastern Europe Symposium on Vegetables and Potatoes
- Conference location
- Maribor, Slovenia
- Conference date
- 20. June 2017
- Keywords
- MAP, medicinal aromatic plants, plant production, Valerian
Valerian (Valeriana officinalis L.) is a perennial crop, whose roots and rhizomes are most commonly used as herbal raw materials. Selection of soil type for valerian cultivation is very essential for plant production. The production of valerianroots in three different soil types (heavy clay soil, medium loam and light sandy soil) and three different altitudes (600, 800 and 1000 m.a.s.l.) was evaluated in region of Prrenjas, East Albania. Plant growth data sets were collected form nursery to plant maturity stage. All experimental fields were treated with same agricultural technology. The yield was measured and the harvest labor intensity at different soil types was evaluated. Large differences were observed in root formation at different soil types. Heavy soils were characterized by small root formation with thick main roots and very low rhizome development. Whereas medium and light soils large roots with high rhizome formation. Harvest was more labor intensive in heavy soils than medium and light, respectively. Light and sandy soils reach in potassium are very suitable for optimal growth. There was not detected any effect of altitude in plant growth for the tested area. More research is needed for determining oil composition and product quality of valerian plants produced in Albania as medicinal and aromatic plant.