Ecophysiology of mint. Adaptive potential and productivity
2008
Kirichienko, E.B.
Mint is one of the most important essential oil (EO) crops. The mint varieties of different geographical origin in the Central Russia may form efficient coenoses. The yield of EO depends on accumulation of biomass of organs and concentration of oil in them. The majority of EO is deposited in leaves and inflorescences. At high temperature and air dryness the yield of EO reduces, however, with ample irrigations at early vegetation stem shoots are intensively formed and the accumulation of biomass goes successfully. There are some varietal differences in the peculiarities of biomass accumulation and the ratio of aboveground and underground parts of plants in the course of ontogenesis, as well in the thickness and size of glands excreting EO. In the light the accumulation of EO depends on the operation activity of photosynthetic system. The most perspective for cultivation are varieties with maximum possible number of leaves per area unit of plantation. An increase in the yield of EO requires stimulation of forming small leaves and extending their life activity. The EO quality is determined by the content of menthol depending on a variety genotype, age and story disposition of leaves, the phase of plant development. The content of menthol in leaves increases from the top leaves to bottom ones, as well as with advancing age of a leaf; declining in aging. At early stages of ontogenesis, mint plants are susceptible to environmental factors, therefore, the time for planting should be chosen so that to provide maximum development of the gland system. In generating new forms the potential ability of increasing the number of glands at early stages of ontogenesis should be taken into consideration. In RF the accumulation potential of biomass and generating EO with mint plants is realized for the first 3 years of vegetation. The method of clonal micropropagation of apical and lateral meristems may be used for quick reproduction of mint plants.
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