Identification of a hybrid species of sage (Salvia officinalis L. x S. lavandulifolia subsp. lavandulifolia) through the study of the essential oil

A hybrid of sage obtained by spontaneous crossing of two close-related species of Salvia (S. officinalis and S. lavandulifolia subsp. lavandulifolia) was identified through the study of its essential oil. Its chemical composition was monitored throughout a complete phenological cycle and compared with the parental species. The hybrid presented intermediate characteristics regarding essential oil production and composition. alpha-thuyone (25.4-57.2%) and 1,8-cineole (15.5-55.1) were the most representative compounds of S. officinalis and S. Lavandulifolia, respectively. Both of them were also the major compounds of hybrid essential oil but in a considerably lower percentage (alpha-thuyone 13.6-23.6; 1,8-cineole 12.0-34.7). The study shows the influence of the plant phenology in the chemical composition of the essential oils. The major compounds decreased significantly in the three species during flowering stage.