ARI Biennial Review for 2018-2019

AROMATIC AND MEDICINAL PLANTS Stevia field trials In 2018 the stevia experiment which was established at Tochni Experimental Station was continued. Two harvests took place and the results are presented in the following tables. Table 1 shows the effect of the irrigation level on the height, the fresh weight of the plants, the dry weight of the leaves, the rebaudioside A, the stevioside and the total phenolic content during the first and second harvest. Table 2 presents the results of t-test and Descriptive Statistics for plant height, fresh plant weight, dry leaves weight, rebaudioside A, stevioside and total phenolic content by fertilisation frequency. The results of t-test and Descriptive Statistics for plant height, fresh plant weight, dry leaves weight, rebaudioside A, stevioside and total phenolic content by cut height show that there are not significant statistical differences. Also, a demonstration field of 0.5 acre was established and one harvest took place that gave about 905 kilos of fresh plant. In addition, the study, evaluation and exploitation of edible medicinal and aromatic plants of Cyprus flora have been launched in 2109. Four species will be studied: Crithmummaritimum, Helichrysum italicum, Capparis spinosa and Cistus creticus . The effect of irrigation and fertilisation on plant production will be examined. Furthermore, the project aims to assess the antioxidant and antimicrobial activity of plant extracts and the investigation of the inhibitory action of these extracts against the activity of xanthine oxidase. Researchers of the Section also participate in the 3PRO-TROODOS project (INTEGRATED/0916_0061) funded by the Research and Innovation Foundation. In 2019 an ethno-botanical survey started on the use of medicinal and aromatic plants in Troodos area and seed collection of selected endemic medicinal and aromatic plants of Troodos. Selected plant species will be established at Saittas Experimental Station and tested by local farmers. (C. Stavridou) Table 1 . Mean comparisons for plant height, fresh weight per plant, dry leaves weight per plant, and leaf sugar content, rebaudioside A, stevioside and total phenolic content at first and second harvest. Means within columns followed by different letters denote significant (P<0.05) differences according to Tukey HSD test. 17 PLANT IMPROVEMENT