ASSESSING THE IMPACT OF CUTTING SEASON ON THE YIELD, ESSENTIAL OIL, AND COMPOSITION OF SPEARMINT CULTIVARS

Abstract

This study assessed the productivity, oil content, and composition of two spearmint species, Mentha spicata and M. suaveolens, during different harvesting periods. The investigation revealed a significant increase in yields during the summer harvestings. Carvone emerged as the predominant compound, with the exception of the Pinedo cultivar. Carvone ratios of the genotypic variations were from 28.0% to 51.0%, exhibiting heightened concentrations during the initial harvest, followed by a subsequent reduction during the second harvesting season. The primary constituent of the Pinedo was piperitenone oxide, accounting for 67.0% of the oil, and similarly underwent a decline during the autumn harvest.