Physiological, morphometric characteristics and yield of Origanum vulgare L. and Thymus vulgaris L. exposed to open-field and shade-enclosure

The aim of this research was to investigate the effect of two different production systems, open-field and shade-enclosure, and four gypsum doses, to find the best environmental option in terms of physiological, morphometric characteristics and with optimum yield in two crops, oregano and thyme in Baja California Sur, Mexico. One cultivar of oregano and one of thyme were grown in shade-enclosure and open-field environments and evaluated for photosynthetic rate, transpiration rate, stomatal conductance, chlorophyll, leaf area, fresh and dry biomass and yield. The results showed significant differences between environmental conditions, crops and their interaction. Gypsum doses had no significant effect on any of the variables measured. For both species shade-enclosure variables measured were more favorable than open-field. In general, of the two crops, oregano performed better than thyme under shade-enclosure conditions, except for Chl a, b, total and leaf water potential which were higher in thyme.