Mentha piperita L. commonly known as peppermint, is valued for its essential oil, which is rich in menthol and has various applications. However, challenges such as low oil yield and poor oil quality have limited the potential of peppermint cultivation. This study aimed to develop a noble mutant of Mentha piperita that complements US-type peppermint oil, characterized by higher oil yield and improved oil quality, specifically targeting a menthol content of 36-46% and less than 5% menthofuran. Induced mutagenesis was achieved through gamma radiation, with seeds from a menthofuran-rich variety CIM-Indus of Mentha piperita subjected to varying doses (10 Gy, 20 Gy, 30 Gy, 40 Gy, 50 Gy, 70 Gy, 90 Gy, and 110 Gy). A broad range of diversity was observed among the resulting mutant lines, leading to the selection of improved lines. Notably, CIM-I452 exhibited the highest oil yield along with substantial herb yield, followed by CIM-I332 and CIM-I324. Lines CIM-I43, CIM-I44, CIM-I451, CIM-I32, CIM-I34, CIM-I332, and CIM-I452 were identified as menthol-rich, while CIM-I311 and CIM-I431 were menthofuran-rich. Additionally, CIM-I322 and CIM-I331 were recognized as limonene-rich lines. Because of the high menthol content and low amount of menthofuran, the mutant lines CIM-I452, CIM-I332, and CIM-I324 showed widely acceptance peppermint oil quality. These selected mutant lines exhibit promising mutant lines that may be utilised as parent lines for upcoming recombinant breeding or hybridization initiatives.
Keywords: Mentha piperita; Genetic diversity; Induced mutagenesis; Menthofuran; Menthol.
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