Variability of essential oil in cultivated populations of Rosmarinus officinalis L. in Spain

Rosmarinus officinalis L. (synonym Salvia rosmarinus Schleid) grows in the Mediterranean basin and is known to be a source of natural bioactive compounds one most important aromatic species terms marketing essential oil. However, wild collection lack selection lead absence standardized material that ensures homogeneity quality oils over time. In present work, thirteen Spanish populations rosemary were cultivated two experimental fields their oil composition monitored during years. The main camphor (21.9%), α-pinene (14.8%), 1,8-cineole (11.6%), β-pinene + myrcene (11.3%) camphene (8.3%), although proportions differ greatly among populations. Other terpenes as limonene had significant presence some populations, up 10.2%. results showed variability was mainly controlled by genetics little affected soil climate conditions. Statistical processing allowed group into three different groups based on geographical origin conclusion, characterization these starting point for development breeding programmes aimed commercialize plants (varieties).