Development of the Aromatic Medicinal Plants, Mentha x piperita L. and Mentha pulegium L. through in vitro Callus Induction and Micropropagation

Abstract

In this study, we evaluate the potential for in vitro propagation of Mentha spp. for mass production. The two Mentha spp. (Mentha x piperita L., M. pulegium L.) were propagated with four successive 60-day subcultures in MS medium supplemented with for 100µL/L NAA (Naphthylacetic Acid) and 600µl/L IBA( Indole Butyric Acid). The shoots were rooted in the same media. The rooted plantlets were finally acclimatized in a growth room. Callus induction was carried out in MS (Murashige and Skoog) media supplemented with 100µL/L NAA and 250µL/L BAP (Benzylaminopurine). Callus was successfully induced from nodes of Mentha pulegium L. Through micropropagation, both Mentha spp increased in multiplication rates around 6-fold per month compared to the traditional propagation method. Mentha x piperita and Mentha pulegium showed the most significant potential for plantlet production through the micropropagation method.