Positive correlation between menthol content and in vitro menthol tolerance in Mentha arvensis L. cultivars

Menthol is a highly valued monoterpene produced by Japanese mint (Mentha ar vensis) as a natural product with wide applications in cosmetics, confectio nery, flavours, beverages and therapeutics. Selection of high menthol yield ing genotypes is therefore the ultimate objective of all genetic improvemen t programmes in Mentha arvensis. A positive correlation was observed in the present study between menthol content in oils of evaluated genotypes and t he level of tolerance to externally supplied menthol of explants of these g enotypes in culture medium. The easy use of this relationship as a selectab le biochemical marker opens the practical applicability of large-scale irt vitro screening of the germplasm, clones and breeders' material for selecti on of elite genotypes.