Micropropagation of Thyme (Thymus vulgaris L.)

Abstract

Thymus vulgaris L. or common thyme belongs to the family Labiatae = Lamiaceae. Jalas (1972) in Flora Europaea, gives 66 species of Thymus, divided into two subgenera, Coridothymus, with only one species, and Thymus with 65 species. Thymus vulgaris belongs to the sixth section of Thymus. Classification of this species is difficult and therefore methods of comparative enzyme study may be useful for identification (Elena-Rosselló 1979). The variation in T. vulgaris is caused not only by genetic constitution, but also depends on ecological and environmental conditions. All of these factors influence the yield of volatile oil produced by thyme plants and the composition of the oil, which is very important.