Cultivating for the Industry: Cropping Experiences with Hypericum perforatum L. in a Mediterranean Environment

Hypericum perforatum is an intensively studied medicinal plant, and much experimental activity has been addressed to evaluate its bio-agronomical phytochemical features as far. In most cases, plant material used for purposes obtained from wild populations or, alternatively, individuals grown in vases and/or pots. When industrial purposes, the convenient option achieving satisfactory amounts of biomass field cultivation. Pot cultivation open condition, however, are likely induce different responses on plant’s metabolism, yield composition not necessarily same. To compare these management techniques, a 4-year trial (2013–2016) was performed, using three biotypes areas Italy: PFR-TN, Trento province, Trentino; PFR-SI, Siena, Tuscany; PFR-AG, Agrigento Sicily. Both managements gave scarce flower yields at first year, whereas higher were measured second year (in field), third pots). Plant ageing induced significant differences composition, total amount phenolic substances 2015 than 2014. A performance genotypes observed; local genotype generally more suitable cultivation, two non-native performed better Phytochemical profile in-pots plants always reflecting actual situation field. Consequently, when intended accurate quality checks harvested advised.