Variation of Yield, Essential Oil and Carvone Contents in Clones Selected from Carvone-scented Landraces of Turkish Mentha Species

摘要

In this study, carvone-scend clones of selected mint ( Mentha sp.) from Turkey were studied for their yield, essential oil through field experiments in Randomized Block Design under semi-arid conditions in 1999 and 2000 in Central Anatolia of Turkey. Crops were harvested twice in the vegetation period of each year. Yield varied significantly and significant interactions occurred between year and clones. The greatest fresh herbage yield occurred for Clone 19 ( M. villoso-nervata ) in the first year and Clone 16 ( M. logifolia ) and Clone 8 ( M. spicata ) in the second year. Essential oil content for clones and for cutting periods varied significantly. Interaction between clones and cutting periods was significant. All clones, except Clone 25 ( M. spicata ) in first year, had high essential oil content in second cutting of both years due to the warmer periods. The greatest oil contents (3.77%) occurred for Clone 16 ( M. longifolia ). Carvone content ranged from 78.3 to 82.2% for Clone 12 ( M. spicata ), which yielded the greatest amount. Based on the results, the clones with high herbage yields and high essential oil and carvone contents are selected and used in the further variety improvements studies.