The oregano is an aromatic plant of the Lamiaceae family, very common in the Mediterranean region, rich in essential oil and very used as spice in food preparation. Knowledge about the species behavior with respect to the region climatic characteristics of planting is essential to the cultivation success. Thus, one experiment was carried out to analyze the effect of five different depth irrigations under field conditions in the production of essential oil and gas exchange in the oregano plant. The water depths were estimated based on the CPE (Class A pan evaporation): 0 (without water replacement); 25; 50; 75 and 100% CPE. The experiment was carried out in Presidente Prudente, SP, Brazil, from February to May 2006. A linear positive relation was observed to depths irrigations increment in the fresh matter for aerial plant parts, dry matter for aerial and root zone plant parts; the root/aerial ratio; content and yield of essential oil. The use of 100% ECA showed the best oregano growth and essential oil production. The different depths irrigation did not affect the plant gas exchange.
Origanum vulgare; irrigation scheduling; class A pan evaporation
