Evaluation of phenotypic and biochemical expression in Lavanda spp. genotypes bred and preserved at PGRB Buzău

Abstract

Lavanda spp. belongs to the Lamiaceae family and has its center of origin in the Mediterranean basin, where it was first cultivated and then spread to England and the rest of Europe. Lavender was initially used for ornamental purposes, and later medicinal properties were discovered, especially in the oil extracted from the plant. The aim of the present work is the phenotypic and biochemical characterization of 6 improved lavender genotypes from the core collection held and conserved by the Plant Genetic Resource Bank Buzau. The germplasm collection includes 42 genotypes, 8 of which are genetically stabilized. Following the evaluation of phenotypic expression, biochemical analyses were performed to determine the chemical composition of lavender volatile oil extracted from plant material by hydro distillation. Chemical compounds were identified using mass spectrophotometric method and gas chromatographic analysis. The G2 genotype belonging to Lavanda angustifolia has been shown to have superior phenotypic and biochemical qualities and is expected to be approved and patented in 2023.