Phenotypic and essential oil profile diversity, and heavy metal uptake potential of peppermint (Mentha × piperita) accessions
摘要
To assess variation in morphological traits, leaf anatomy, shoot yield, essential oil content, essential oil yield, uptake of macro- and microelements, and selected heavy metals, peppermint was sampled from farms of leading producers across Iranian provinces. Mean comparison revealed that the highest dry shoot yield (3410 kg/ha) was obtained from the Karaj accession. The highest essential oil contents, 2.36% and 2.31%, were detected in accessions from East Azarbaijan (Khosroshahr) and Zanjan provinces. The maximum essential oil yields, 68.5 and 56.01 kg/ha, were recorded in Khosroshahr and Zanjan accessions, respectively. Comparative analysis indicated that Zanjan (27.23%) and Kermanshah (24.31%) accessions contained the highest menthone. The maximum menthol levels, 47.57% and 46.52%, were found in Khosroshahr and Hersin accessions, respectively. At lower altitudes (Alborz), elevated temperatures increased branch production. Conversely, higher altitudes such as Khosroshahr and Zanjan enhanced plant quality, and sufficient branching rendered these accessions superior and more suitable for consumption.