A Characterization, Yield, Growth, and Essential oil of local Lines of Sudan

This study explores the growth, yield, and essential oil properties of two Sudanese parsley lines, Dongola and Madani, focusing on their agronomic and medicinal potential. Parsley (Petroselinum crispum) is a key culinary herb with significant benefits in regions like Sudan, where climate conditions are crucial for its cultivation success. Conducted at the Medicinal and Aromatic Plants Research Institute (MAPRI) in Shambat, Khartoum State, Sudan, this winter-season experiment commenced on November 15, 2017. Using a factorial experiment within a completely randomized block design (CRBD), we examined two factors: variety (A) and cutting frequency (B). The objectives were to characterize and assess these local parsley lines for distinctness, uniformity, stability (DUS), growth performance, yield, and essential oil profile. Additionally, the study evaluated the resilience of the lines under multi-cut conditions by analyzing interactions between variety and harvest frequency. Visual descriptors for DUS adhered to the UPOV code (2005). Both lines exhibited similar leaf characteristics but differed in other traits. The Medani line showed superior growth metrics, including leaf blade length (14.54 cm), leaf blade width (19.33 cm), petiole thickness (12.51 mm), and plant height (39.45 cm). In contrast, Dongola had a higher dry weight (2.284 kg/m²), while Medani excelled in oil content (7.88 g/150g, 5.6%). The first cut produced higher biomass and oil content. GC/MS analysis revealed distinct essential oil profiles, with Medani having higher Alpha-Pinene and Beta-Pinene, while Dongola had higher Myristicin levels, indicating its potential for medicinal applications.