The Effect of the Plant Age and Growth Period on the Nutritional Substance, Chlorophyll and Steviol Glycoside Rates in Stevia (Stevia Rebaudiana Bertoni) Leaves

Abstract

Stevia (Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni) is a perennial and subshrub herb of the Asteraceae family, which originates from South America. Stevia has long been used as a sweetener and herbal medicine throughout the world. The most important feature of stevia is its sweetness with zero calories. This natural feature of Stevia is of utmost importance to everyone, especially those with diabetes and those who diet. In this study, samples were taken from Stevia rebaudiana plants of different ages (2, 3 and 4 years) in different growth periods (H1: 1 July, H2: 1 August, H3: 1 September and H4: 1 October) and an evaluation was made on the nutritional content values, the chlorophyll and sugar rates found in these samples according to the age and growth period of the plant. It was determined that the age of the plant and the harvesting period had an effect on the macro-micro nutritional elements, and chlorophyll and steviol glycoside rates contained in the stevia plant. In addition, as a result of correlation analysis, significant correlations were determined between the parameters measured in the plant. The results of the study demonstrated that in the cultivation of stevia, the best values were obtained from plants that were 3 years old and harvested in July.