Thermal processing and geographical origin as drivers of terpenoids variation in Anethum graveolens L. essential oils: A biplot analysis.

Abstract

Dill (Anethum graveolens L.), a medicinal-vegetable plant renowned for its aromatic and functional properties, exhibits significant variation in essential oil composition due to geographical origin (genotypic diversity) and post-harvest drying temperatures (DTs). This study aimed to (1) quantify the effects of geographical origin (as a proxy for genotype) and DTs on essential oil yield and composition, and (2) evaluate how specific genotypes respond to thermal processing. Six A. graveolens genotypes from distinct Iranian regions (Mashhad, Ardabil, Parsabad, Bushehr, Esfahan, and Kerman) were cultivated under uniform field conditions in Ardabil, Iran, to isolate genotypic variation. Post-harvest treatments included environmental shade drying and oven drying at 40°C and 60°C, creating unique combinations of genotype-treatment (CGT). Using CGT × character biplot analysis, we assessed interactions between genotype, DT, and essential oil compositions. The results revealed significant CGT-driven variation: shade drying enhanced α-Phellandrene levels in Kerman and Esfahan genotypes (57.49% and 55.51%), while oven drying at 40°C maximized Myristicin content (1.72%) in the Ardabil genotype and essential oil yield in Parsabad (1.86% w/v). High-temperature drying (60°C) reduced essential oil content in sensitive genotypes. β-Pinene and γ-Terpinene emerged as discriminative markers for genotype performance. Critically, the Parsabad genotype at 40°C and the Ardabil genotype demonstrated superior essential oil yields, whereas genotype-specific responses to DT highlighted the need for tailored post-harvest protocols. This study establishes CGT interactions as pivotal drivers of A. graveolens essential oil chemotypes, offering actionable strategies for genotype-specific drying protocols to optimize industrial production and breeding programs.