GROWING CLARY SAGE (SALVIA SCLAREA L.) IN HEAVY METAL - POLLUTED AREAS

In 1990–1993 field experiments, the effects of heavy metal on the growth and productivity of the cultivars Trakiika, Boiana, and Selekcia from Salvia sclarea L. were studied. The experiments were performed in the vicinities of a Non-Ferrous Metals Combine near Plovdiv, Bulgaria at two levels, on both soil and air pollution. Plots were situated at 0.8 km and 3 km from the source of pollution and a control plot in a comparatively non-polluted area, at 10 km from the source of pollution. The yield of fresh inflorescence, the yield and content of essential oil, and the annual uptake of heavy metals (with normal yield above ground vegetation) for three cultivars were determined. The concentration of Cd, Pb, Cu, Mn, Zn and Fe were determined in the soils; in the plants, roots, stems, leaves, and inflorescence; and in the essential oils. Essential oils obtained from plants, grown at distances of 0.9, 3, and 10 km from the smelter were not contaminated with heavy metals. Economic analyses have show that the income of Clary sage is higher then those provided by some other edible crops their production being highly contaminated.

Clary sage can be grown on sites of severe air and soil heavy metal pollution as substitute for some other edible crops.

The results could be used for the prognosis of the yields and the quality of clary sage production in heavy metal contaminated areas.