Morphological traits and essential oil yield variation of three myrtus communis l. populations: implication for domestication

Abstract

Myrtle is an aromatic plant typical of the Mediterranean maquis. It is widely exploited in pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and food industries. In Morocco, the demand on Myrtus communis L. was affected negatively in the last few years and its cultivation is becoming more important. However, little information is available about its intraspecific variation and adaptability. The analysis of variance showed low population effect but a high significant variation within population of most morphological traits and essential oil yield. Among all traits studied, fruit and leaf traits and essential oil yield presented more heterogeneity and high to medium heritability. A clinal altitude, precipitation and longitude of leaf traits and essential oil content variation is showed. Moreover, strong and positive correlation was found between fruit, leaf and some seed traits, and between essential oil yields. Comparing all traits; fruit trait, essential oil yield and their associated traits could be good criteria for selection Moroccan myrtle at the segregating generations in the future plant domestication and breeding programs.

Key words: Myrtus communis L., genetic variability, morphological characters, essential oil yield, phenotypic plasticity.   Manuscript reviewed by: Prof. Adel Shatta Food Technology Department,Faculty of Agriculture,Suez Canal University Ismailia, 41522,Egypt. Dr. R.K. Mathukia Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, Junagadh Agricultural University, Junagadh (Gujarat, India) Dr. Indu V. Raj Department of Veterinary Anatomy,College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, Thrissur-680 651, Kerala, India

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 Received: June 6, 2016  Accepted: June 20, 2016  Published: July 13, 2016

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