Organogenesis and terpenoid synthesis in Mentha arvensis

Leaf discs obtained from field grown plants of Mentha arvensis were used to initiate multiple shoots on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with 6-benzylaminopurine (5 mg l(-1)) and naphthaleneacetic acid (0.5 mg l(-1)). Profuse rooting was achieved when the well-grown shoots were cultured on half strength MS medium supplemented with indole-3-acetic acid (2 mg l(-1)). The regenerated plantlets were hardened and successfully transferred to soil and grown to maturity. Tissues at different stages of differentiation were analyzed for their essential oil content and characteristic monoterpene pattern. Tissue culture raised plants show the same essential oil profile as that of the parent plant. However, tissues at early stages of growth show distinct changes in oil composition, such as high levels of pulegone in shoot cultures.