Aims and results of breeding research on eight medicinal and aromatic plants—A survey

Abstract

The characteristics of medicinal and aromatic plants (MAP) can be adapted to the special demands of the stakeholders in the supply chain by breeding. A concise compilation of experiences with eight species demonstrates the diversity of the breeding objects, aims, and methods, depending on the differing reproduction biology. Conventional breeding methods were used because the customers of the significant European market are unwilling to accept transgenic herbs. The screening of a peppermint collection revealed a considerable variability of sensorial properties. Self-pollination and complex heterocygoty of evening primrose require sufficient genetic variability before starting a selection program for γ-linolenic acid. Long-term recurrent selection brought the essential oil content of annual caraway to a comparable level to that found in biennial caraway. The apomictic reproduction of St. John's wort permitted the selection of wilt-resistant strains in just a few selection steps, using a feasible resistance test. Recurrent selection of summer savory resulted in lines with good applicability as raw material for the production of carvacrol-rich essential oils. The foundations for the development of hybrid varieties of fennel, marjoram, and thyme were laid. Numerous examples show that special methods can contribute to economizing breeding procedures.

Keywords:

• breeding
• methods
• reproduction biology
• yield
• quality
• resistance