The effect of water stress on growth rate in Mentha arvensis

Abstract

Mentha arvensis is commonly known as pudina, corn mint or wild mint belonging to the Lamiaceae family. It is also widely cultivated in Bangladesh, Nepal, India, Srilanka, Thailand, and Japan for its use as a food seasoner, household remedy, and industrial purposes. This paper investigated the treatment of drought and flood stress on Mentha arvensis by controlling the irrigation intervals. The growth parameters which include plant height, number of branches, number of leaves, root length and root weight of Mentha arvensis were measured. Mentha arvensis was planted by using stem cutting and irrigation intervals was controlled in three different conditions after 5 weeks of plantation. The vegetation phase was observed after the water treatment started. Based on the result, Mentha arvensis at 4 days and 6 days of water treatment was more affected by the water stress. This shows that 4 days and 6 days of water treatment undergo slower growth rate in their plant height, number of branches and number of leaves compared to 2 days of water treatment. Mentha arvensis grow best under 2 days of water irrigation intervals. Plants showing improved growth with limited water are considered to tolerate drought, regardless of how the improvement occurs.