Genotype × environment interaction, genetic variability and inheritance pattern in breeding lines including varieties/cultivars of menthol mint (Mentha arvensis L.)

Abstract

Menthol mint which belongs to the genus Mentha of the family- ‘Lamiaceae’, is a valuable essential oil-yielding crop. Its essential oil, aroma compounds, menthol crystals are in trades worldwide. It is an aromatic herb, grown in sub-tropical parts of north India. The herbs upon hydro-distillation yield essential oil, containing high (75– 80%) menthol content. The oil has a bitter cooling taste, odour and is the principal source of menthol. Natural menthol is preferred in the food and flavour industry. The literature about genotype × environment (G×E) is very meager on this crop. Therefore, the present investigation was carried out to determine the genetic stability and adaptability pattern among eight cultivars/varieties/ breeding lines of menthol mint, namely, MAS-1, Kalka, Shivalik, Himalaya, Kosi, OPSP-33, OPSP-45, and OPSP-80, in eight environments. The morpho-metric data were recorded in terms of quantified genetic variability for nine different economic traits namely plant height, leaf numbers, leaf/stem ratio, leaf length, leaf width, herb yield, oil content were oil yield, and menthol content (%) in the essential oil. Further, stable genotypes for high oil yield and menthol content were identified over the years using G×E based on Eberhart and Russel’s 1966 model. The varieties/lines, namely OPSP-80, followed by OPSP-33, OPSP-45, Kosi, Kalka, Himalaya, showed the widest stability due to their ability to tolerate a wide range of environmental conditions.