Influence of Selection and Inbreeding on Origanum majorana L.

SUMMARY

The comparison of two generations of marjoram single plants grown in Quedlinburg, Germany in 1997 and 1999 (non-inbred initial accessions versus I₂ lines derived from elite plants) is given for important traits. The impact of selection was indicated for resistance to lodging and anther status. Severe inbreeding depression of yield of leaf-flower fraction could be avoided by selection. The superiority of all I₂ lines over the standard and all initial accessions with respect to the content of essential oil was most distinct; in some numbers there was also higher homogeneity. The percentage of cis-sabinene hydrate in the essential oil showed a diversification in the I₂ due to the segregation of chemotypes.

KEYWORDS:

• Origanum majorana
• breeding
• inbreeding
• selection