Fall frost effects on the essential oil of 'native' spearmint (Mentha spicata L.) in Wyoming

Abstract

'Native' spearmint (Mentha spicata L.) is a widely grown essential oil crop worldwide and in the midwest in the United States. There is interest in expanding spearmint production to Wyoming and other states. However, there is no information to determine if spearmint would perform well under the Wyoming high-altitude and shortgrowing season and if its productivity and oil quality would be affected by fall frosts. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of fall frosts at the end of the cropping season on 'Native' spearmint productivity and oil profile. Spearmint plants were harvested at the following harvest dates (HDs): 14 Sept., 21 Sept., 28 Sept., 5 Oct., 12 Oct., 24 Oct., and 1 Nov. 2011. The HDs were selected to coincide with the fall frosts in northern Wyoming. Indeed, during that time, frost occurred on the following dates: 21 Sept., 10 Oct., 13 Oct., 15 Oct., 19 Oct., 20 Oct., 24 Oct., 25 Oct., 26 Oct., 27 Oct., 28 Oct., 29 Oct., 30 Oct., 31 Oct., and 1 Nov. 2011. The first heavy snow occurred on 3 Nov. Fresh herbage yields were higher at the 1 Nov. HD relative to the 14 Sept. HD, whereas the yields at the other HD were not significantly different. Generally, the oil content was high at 14 Sept., 21 Sept., and 5 Oct. HD and low at the 24 Oct. and 1 Nov. HD. Carvone concentration (42% to 75% range) in the oil reached a maximum at the 12 Oct. HD. The concentration of limonene was low at the first HD (14 Sept.) and higher at the other HDs. The yield of carvone (a function of the fresh herbage yields, oil content, and the concentration of carvone in the oil) was high at the 12 Oct. HD and low at the other HDs. In the spring of 2012, spearmint emerged in late April and was unaffected by the Wyoming winter or by the early spring frosts. This preliminary study suggests 'Native' spearmint may be a viable crop for northern Wyoming at elevation of ≈ m.