In the solving year of 2005 – 2006 the analysis of agri-ecological conditions of Lemon balm cultivation was realized at Kolinany locality (Nitra district, Slovakia). Yield components were analyzed at Department of Sustainable Agriculture and Herbology, Faculty of Agrobiology and Food Resources, Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra. Lemon balm var. ´Citra´ was used as a testing material. Harvesting of the plant material has been carried out during whole vegetation period. The content of rosemary acid was determined in the samples. During the years 2005 – 2006 these experimental factors were tested: (1) the influence of the way of planting or sowing, e.g. the way of setting up the stand, (2) applied plant nutrition and (3) harvest time, on the reached level of aboveground herbage crop yield and content of rosemary acid in the drug, e.g. quality of air-dried drug. The average yields of Lemon balm drug (386.5 – 493.6 g.m -2 ) and rosemary acid content (2.39 – 4.49 %) were found and statistically determined depending on sowing system, organic fertilization, and harvest time during two years of the experiment. High content of rosemary acid (over the required 4.0 % content) was confirmed in samples within both fertilization variants when stand was established from seedlings.

essential oil; growing; Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis L.); rosemary acid

Presentation: oral