Mentha L. and Pycnanthemum L. germplasm at the US National Clonal Germplasm Repository in Corvallis, Oregon

Authors: Hummer, Kim; Bassil, Nahla; VINING, KELLY - Oregon State University

Submitted to: Book Chapter
Publication Type: Book / Chapter
Publication Acceptance Date: 12/2/2019
Publication Date: 10/27/2020
Citation: Hummer, K.E., Bassil, N.V., Vining, K. 2020. Mentha L. and Pycnanthemum L. germplasm at the US National Clonal Germplasm Repository in Corvallis, Oregon. In: Mathe A., editors. Medicinal and Aromatic Plants of North America. Medicinal and Aromatic Plants of the World. Cham, Switzerland: Springer Nature. Volume 6. p. 187-199. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-44930-8_8.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-44930-8_8

Interpretive Summary: About 450 accessions representing 34 species of Mint from around the world are preserved in the USDA ARS National Clonal Germplasm repository (NCGR) genebank in Corvallis, Oregon. This collection includes advanced breeder selections and hybrids. The initial collection was donated in 1984, the majority originating from the M.J. Murray collection of the A.M. Todd Company, Kalamazoo, Michigan. Other representatives of diverse mint taxa were received from collaborators in Australia, New Zealand, Europe, and Vietnam. Members of this collection have been evaluated for oil components, disease resistance, and other key characters. Pressed specimens have been prepared. An initial set microsatellite markers were developed to determine clonal identity and assess genetic diversity. In addition, the mountain mint, a North American relative, is also conserved at this genebank. The primary donor for this collection was Dr. Henrietta Chambers. For mint, 94 accessions representing 17 of the 19 described species from North America are preserved. Mint cuttings and seeds are available for distribution for research when requested through the GRIN-Global database of the National Plant Germplasm System. Evaluation and characterization of these mints continue to determine desirable traits for use as parents in breeding programs.

Technical Abstract: About 450 accessions representing 34 taxa and hybrid species of Mentha from around the world are preserved in the USDA ARS National Clonal Germplasm repository (NCGR) genebank in Corvallis, Oregon. This collection includes advanced breeder selections and F1 hybrids. The initial collection was donated in 1984, the majority originating from the M.J. Murray collection of the A.M. Todd Company, Kalamazoo, Michigan. Other representatives of diverse mint taxa were received from collaborators in Australia, New Zealand, Europe, and Vietnam. Members of this collection have been evaluated for oil components, Verticillium resistance, cytology, and other key morphological characters. Voucher specimens have been prepared. An initial set microsatellite markers have been developed to determine clonal identity and assess genetic diversity. In addition, the mountain mint, Pycnanthemum, a North American Lamiaceae relative, is also conserved at this genebank. The primary donor for this collection was Dr. Henrietta Chambers. For this genus, 94 accessions representing 17 of the 19 described taxa from North America are preserved. Plants of Mentha and Pycnanthem are available for distribution for research as stem or rhizome cuttings or seed requested through the GRIN-Global database of the National Plant Germplasm System. Evaluation and characterization of these genera continue to determine desirable essential oil content and disease resistance for potential use as parents in breeding programs.