EVALUATION OF OREGANO (ORIGANUM VULGARE L.) ACCESSIONS BY COMPLEX OF FUNCTIONAL TRAITS

Abstract

During 2012-2020, 44 oregano (Origanum vulgare L. ssp. vulgare) accessions had been described at the ex situ collection of aromatic and medicinal plants (N 56º39 ́45.3 ́ ́; E 23º45 ́15.2), located at the Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies. The accessions were evaluated for morphological traits, growth and yield parameters, phenological properties, biochemical indices, plant resistance to diseases and pests, winter hardiness etc., using international Draft Descriptor List Origanum vulgare L. In our study, multi-criteria analysis was used to assign an overall value to each plant material as well accessions were grouped by complex of functional traits. In total, eleven accessions No. 2, 3, 12, 14, 17, 18, 24, 28, 29, 43 and 44, which had high evaluation of morphological and phenological properties, yield components, resistance to diseases and pests as well as winter hardiness, have the best growing potential in commercial plantations. Accessions No. 3, 9, 11, 14, 17, 23, 24, 26, 35 and 42, which were characterised by rare and unique morphological indices, high winter hardiness as well as resistance to diseases and pests, have the best potential as ornamentals. Accessions No. 23, 29 and 41 were selected as the best for food because of specific parameters, including yield`s quality (especially by content of C vitamin). Grouping or oregano accessions by complex of functional traits is important for selection the most valuable of them with specific features needed for cultivation, processing and trade.