Chemical and morphological variation in some commercially-available thyme (T. vulgaris)

[摘要] There were no statistically significant differences in the height, length (x dimension) or breadth (y dimension) of plants between plots but there were substantial differences between individual plants. There were also differences between plants in leaf dry weight yield/m2, oil yield/m2 and oil components. A 50% increase in oil content (% leaf dry wt.) in individual plants between 1988 and 1989 was not associated with differences in the proportions of the 3 main components of the oil (thymol, cymene, terpinene) and the combined proportions of these 3 compounds were very similar in all of the plants examined. There were differences in the proportion of the individual phenolic compounds between the oils of different plants. It is suggested that the observed differences between plants may be genetic, reflecting different degrees of adaptation to the environment. Alternatively, local differences in environmental factors such as soil moisture, nutrient availability, shelter or light interception may have contributed to differences in the development of individual plants. This is to be examined in subsequent years. The earlier flowering of hermaphrodite plants may be an adaptive feature which assists in attracting pollinators, especially honey-bees. The larger flowers of hermaphrodite plants provide pollen and nectar, both of which are required early in the season as a food source for the bees and for rearing brood.

[发布机构] University:University of Glasgow

[关键词] Plant sciences