Variation in the essential oil yields and compositions of Myrtle (Myrtus communis L.) Populations collected from natural habitats of Southern Iran.

As a medicinal and industrial plant, Myrtle (Myrtus communis L., Myrtaceae) is widely used in pharmacological, food, and cosmetic industries. In the current study, variabilities in the leaf essential oil (EO) compositions of 23 Myrtle populations, collected from the natural habitats of different regions in Fars Province, Iran, were studied. The EO yields of the populations varied from 0.53% to 1.75% based on dry matter. According to GC/MS analysis, α-pinene (12.2-60.4%), 1,8-cineole (6.2-27.3%), limonene (1.4-26.7%), linalool (0.7-21.0%), myrtenyl acetate (0-29.1%), and geraniol (0.3-8.3%) were the major compounds. Using the hierarchical cluster analysis, the myrtle populations in Fars province were classified into four groups based on the main EO components, namely I α-pinene/1,8-cineole, II α-pinene/1,8-cineole/linalool, III α-pinene/limonene/1,8-cineole and IV myrtenyl acetate/limonene/linalool. In conclusion, this study gave new insights into the breeding programs for obtaining potential plant materials through their commercial cultivations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]