Abstract Coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) has two varieties (var. vulgare Alef. and var. microcarpum DC.) in the populations of Turkey. Field experiments were conducted during 2000 and 2001 in two different locations (Tokat and Diyarbakir) in order to investigate yield, oil content and composition of the varieties. The oil composition of the varieties was analyzed by GC and GC/MS. Ecological variation had a significant effect on biomass and seed yields. Variation in the oil content between varieties was significant, i.e. microcarpum had a higher oil content. The compositions of two varieties were qualitatively similar, although the linalool content was higher in microcarpum (63.5â71.0%) than vulgare (42.1â52.7%).