Effect of Moisture Contents on Physical-Mechanical Properties of Lavandin (Lavandula X Intermedia Emeric Ex Loisel.)

Agricultural mechanization of lavandin is limited by practical. Knowledge of the physical- mechanical properties of lavandin (Lavandula x intermedia Emeric ex Loisel.), is necessary for the design of equipment for harvesting, transporting, cleaning, packing, storing, processing etc. In this study, we determined the effects of moisture content on physical and mechanical properties of lavandin (Lavandula x intermedia Emeric ex Loisel.), to be applied to the design of mechanization applications. Flower and stalk dimensions, projection area, picking force, flower-to-stalk ratio, and essential oil content of lavandin (Lavandula x intermedia Emeric ex Loisel.) were investigated at three different moisture contents: 8.6 %, 12.0 %, and 16.0 % (d.b). Most parameters increased linearly with increasing moisture content. The essential oil content of lavandin (Lavandula x intermedia Emeric ex Loisel.) decreased with increasing moisture content. Moisture content had a significant effect on the physical and mechanical properties of lavandin (Lavandula x intermedia Emeric ex Loisel.). Flower picking force of lavandin changed between 0.3 and 0.5 N and Data on flower and stalkof lavandin are used for designing agricultural machinery, while data on flower projection area are required for effective transport, cleaning, and separation oflavandin (Lavandula x intermedia Emeric ex Loisel.).