Estimation of intra-specific genetic variability and half-sib family selection using AMMI (Additive Main Effects and Multiplicative Interactions) model in menthol mint (Mentha arvensis L.)

Abstract

Menthol mint (Mentha arvensis L.) is an aromatic and medicinal herb that belongs to the family- Lamiaceae. Mint oil and menthol crystal are widely used in large amounts in cosmetics, perfumery, essential oil and pharmaceutical industries in India and abroad. In addition of being a popular flavoring agent for food, confectionery, and cigarettes, natural menthol has a profound cooling and soothing effect on the human skin and mucous membranes that makes it a useful ingredient in several pharmaceuticals and cosmetics preparations. Demand for natural mint oil is very high world wide. The genetic variability and essential oil yield instability are some of the common setbacks that plant breeders of menthol mint are facing towards developing widely adapted varieties with superior yield and quality of menthol oil. Hybridization between some of the Mentha species occurs frequently in nature. Based on the stability statistics, a number of mint varieties have been developed and released by CSIR-CIMAP, Lucknow (India) for their commercial farming. These include MAS-1, MAS-2, Himalaya, Kalka, Kushal, Saksham, Sambhav, Damroo, Kosi, CIM Saryu, CIM Kranti, etc.In addition, two local varieties Shivalik and Gold are also available for cultivation in India. Nevertheless, as per farmers demand, there is still scope for breeding high oil yielding varieties of menthol mint that are early maturing and have thin suckers. In order to fill this gap, the present investigation was carried out to determine the intra-specific genetic variability and estimation of stability and adaptability patterns of a set of seven half-sib selections from a seed progeny of menthol mint variety Kosi, The selections namely, Line -1, Line -2, Line -3, Line -5, Line -10, Line -11, Line -15 and two check varieties Kosi and CIM-Kranti were evaluated in multiyear/environments set up in India. An AMMI (Additive Main Effects and Multiplicative Interactions) model was applied that provides more authentic information on broader inferences on adaptability. Based on the AMMI model, line15 showed the most extensive adaptability and proved to be the most stable line due to its ability to tolerate broad environmental conditions (temperature/or abiotic stress) in different years. This early maturing line 15 also registered 15% superiority in essential oil yield over variety Kosi and CIM-Kranti. Comparative performance data of these lines is presented and discussed in this communication.