The effect of genotype and cultivation method on the total salicylate yield of dark-leaved willows (Safix myrsinifolia)

Ten clones of dark-leaved willows (Salix myrsinifolia Salisb.) were grown for two years on two different sites, Luikonlahti and Punkaharju, using various combinations of soil cultivation, fertilization and mulch treatments, with the objective of comparing the effect of different cultivation methods on the growth and total salicylate yield. In cultivated soil, the total salicylate yield ranged from 20 to 220 kg/ha, depending on the clone and cultivation method. The use of black polythene mulch and the addition of mineral fertilizer reduced the total salicylate concentrations of several clones. On the other hand, polythene mulch noticeably increased the hectare yield of total salicylates by promoting biomass accumulation.