Identifying superior genotypes by clonal selection in Istanbul Oregano (Origanum vulgare subsp. hirtum (Link) A.Terracc.) populations
摘要
Oregano has been valued for its medicinal and aromatic qualities since ancient times and continues to be extensively used today. Istanbul oregano (Origanum vulgare ssp. hirtum) is particularly important and distinguished from other subspecies by its high essential oil content. This study aimed to identify high-yielding and high-quality genotypes from selected populations which are important for its high essential oil content, and to develop superior varieties through clonal selection. The study was conducted over two years at the experimental field and agronomic and quality traits of five different populations (A, B, C, D, and E), all from the carvacrol chemotype, with a total of 3324 genotypes were evaluated. The minimum, maximum, and average values for plants from each population were determined. The two-year averages showed that plant height ranged from 34.5 to 41.8 cm, fresh herb yield from 78.8 to 176.6 g/plant, dry herb yield from 31.9 to 70.1 g/plant, and dry leaf yield from 17.0 to 36.9 g/plant. Also, it was observed that the minimum and maximum essential oil contents of individual plants were higher in the second year compared to the first. The essential oil content for the second year varied across the different populations: Population A ranged from 0.8 to 9.0%, Population B from 1.8 to 8.5%, Population C from 1.0 to 10.0%, Population D from 1.1 to 8.7%, and Population E from 1.0 to 9.8%. Based on these results, genotypes with both high yield and significant essential oil content were selected in the end of study for further improvement through clonal selection.