Centaurium erythraea Cultivation Method for Optimal Yield and Product Quality

Abstract

The effect of cultivation methods on plant development, yield, secoiridoid glycoside content, and physical and microbiological contamination of centaury (Centaurium erythraea) were investigated. Plants were cultivated in uncovered soil, soil covered with mulch film, or in pots. There was no difference in dry matter yield of plants grown on a mulch film (665 g.m–2) and without mulch film (680 g.m–2), whereas the outdoor cultivation in pots resulted in lower yield (330 g.m–2). The physical and microbiological contamination was lowest in plants cultivated in pots and highest when cultivated without soil cover. The total concentration of secoiridoid glycosides in the plants was not affected by the cultivation methods. The use of mulch film combined high yield and low microbiological and physical contamination, and had no effect on the content of desired bioactive compounds.