Articles
Research on the phenotypic and biochemical expression of Sideritis scardica cultivars acclimated and bred at the Plant Genetic Resources Bank – for Vegetables, Floricultural, Aromatic and Medicinal Plants, Buzău, Romania
Article number
1384_54
Pages
427 – 434
Language
English
Abstract
Sideritis scardica (Shepherds Tea in Greece or Mursalski chai in Bulgaria) is a perennial endemic plant in Mediterranean regions and the Balkans.
Its rich content in antioxidants with major role in maintaining the immune system and its ability to eliminate residual proteins from neuronal synapses responsible for the formation of protein plaques attributed to Alzheimers disease have been subjects of recent research.
The plant is used for its aroma in hot or cold drinks and as a medicinal plant sold in specialized pharmacies, being highly appreciated for its content in active principles: flavonoids, essential oils, amino acids, and minerals: Fe, Ca, Mg, K. Romania offers favourable pedo-climatic conditions for the cultivation of Sideritis sp.
Therefore, a main goal was to acclimatize Sideritis scardica to Romanias growing conditions, through breeding new genotypes with distinct phenotypic expression and developing tailored cultivation technology.
The current research envisages the genetic resources owned by P.G.R.B. Buzau and include studies of five genetically stabilized genotypes.
G1-G5 were analysed in comparison with the Romanian Domnesc patented cultivar used as control.
The methods used were negative mass selection for the Domnesc cultivar and repeated individual selection and crossing for G1-G5 genotypes.
Phenotyping and biometric observations and lab biochemical analysis were conducted on plants harvested before and after flowering stage.
The outcomes indicated the presence of valuable germplasm, from where five genotypes proved superior adaptability and genetic stability in lineage.
In terms of quantitative traits, G1 had the highest floral mass value with an average of 780 g plant‑1 and G5 reached 1170 g leaf mass plant‑1. The distinct phenotypic expression and valuable biochemical composition like Fe content 64 mg 100 g‑1 and ascorbic acid 200 mg 100 g‑1 followed the same trend.
G2 had the strongest fragrance of all five genotypes on all vegetative aerial parts and was selected for patenting in 2022.
Its rich content in antioxidants with major role in maintaining the immune system and its ability to eliminate residual proteins from neuronal synapses responsible for the formation of protein plaques attributed to Alzheimers disease have been subjects of recent research.
The plant is used for its aroma in hot or cold drinks and as a medicinal plant sold in specialized pharmacies, being highly appreciated for its content in active principles: flavonoids, essential oils, amino acids, and minerals: Fe, Ca, Mg, K. Romania offers favourable pedo-climatic conditions for the cultivation of Sideritis sp.
Therefore, a main goal was to acclimatize Sideritis scardica to Romanias growing conditions, through breeding new genotypes with distinct phenotypic expression and developing tailored cultivation technology.
The current research envisages the genetic resources owned by P.G.R.B. Buzau and include studies of five genetically stabilized genotypes.
G1-G5 were analysed in comparison with the Romanian Domnesc patented cultivar used as control.
The methods used were negative mass selection for the Domnesc cultivar and repeated individual selection and crossing for G1-G5 genotypes.
Phenotyping and biometric observations and lab biochemical analysis were conducted on plants harvested before and after flowering stage.
The outcomes indicated the presence of valuable germplasm, from where five genotypes proved superior adaptability and genetic stability in lineage.
In terms of quantitative traits, G1 had the highest floral mass value with an average of 780 g plant‑1 and G5 reached 1170 g leaf mass plant‑1. The distinct phenotypic expression and valuable biochemical composition like Fe content 64 mg 100 g‑1 and ascorbic acid 200 mg 100 g‑1 followed the same trend.
G2 had the strongest fragrance of all five genotypes on all vegetative aerial parts and was selected for patenting in 2022.
Authors
G. Negoșanu, A. Asănică, C. Vînătoru, B. Mușat, C. Bratu, M. Popescu
Keywords
mursalski, selection, hybridization, lineage, genotype
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