A predictive model of the yield of aromatic species in relation to climatic variables

Two random block assays were carried out in the Cerrillos Department, Provi nce of Salta, Argentina, for the purpose of determining the yields of three basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) varieties and of three thyme (Thymus vulgaris L.) clones. The basil varieties assayed were Wide-Leaf Genovesa, Wide-Leaf Catamarca and Red Rubin, while the thyme clones were French, Southafrican a nd Moreno. In order to determine the incidence on the yield of the variabil ity of certain climatic parameters in the area, we studied the climate, rai nfall, mean maximum and mean minimum temperatures, mean humidity, relative heliophany and frosts during the assayed period and compared them with the values characteristic of Cerrillos. By using the MatLab, MicroCalc and TBLc urve computer programmes, we determined the curves that describe the evolut ion of each climatic variable. On the basis of the yields obtained for the three thyme clones, and the Wid e-Leaf Genovesa and Wide-Leaf-Catamarca basil varieties, we believe that, u nder these climatic conditions, their cultivation is advisable, even though the rainfall and relative heliophany in December, January and September an d in April, August and November, respectively, exceeded the expected values .