Chromosome number and ploidy level of balm (Melissa officinalis)

Abstract

BackgroundLemon balm (Melissa officinalis L.) is of increasing importance resulting in rising growth area. Improved knowledge on the genome structure, number of chromosomes in connection with the taxonomical structure of balm is indispensable for improved new varieties.ResultsA collection of 40 balm accessions (M. officinalis) was characterized by flow cytometry and FISH (18/25S and 5S rDNA) to determine the chromosome number and ploidy level. Three different types were found: diploid genotypes with 2n = 2× = 32 chromosomes; tetraploid 2n = 4× = 64 chromosomes and triploid 2n = 3× = 48 chromosomes. A haploid base number of × = 16 chromosomes is likely. First time described triploid accessions are sterile but cytologically and morphologically stable for many years. Triploids express better winter hardiness and regeneration after harvesting cuts as well as bigger leaves and internodes.ConclusionsA basic chromosome number of x = 16 is reported for the first time for the species M. officinalis.

Content and composition of essential oil and content of rosmarinic acid in lemon balm and balm genotypes (Melissa officinalis)

“…There is no correlation between this data and the presented data because of the insufficient correlation between both methods (Krüger et al 2010) and the high impact of the year and the ontogenetic status of measured plants. The presented data are valuable contribution for characterization of rosmarinic acid in the species M. officinalis and offer in connection with status of ploidy (Kittler et al 2015) and amount and composition of essential oil a prerequisite for taxonomical studies inside the species.…”

Improving growth indices and productivity of phytochemical compounds in Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis L.) via Induced Polyploidy

“…Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis L.) is an aromatic plant of the Lamiaceae family, with the chromosome number of 32 and 64 (Kittler et al, 2015). The plant is grown worldwide, but its origin is not well defined, although the Mediterranean region or western Asia is considered to be its area of origin.…”

Correction: Wissam Zam et al. An Updated Review on The Properties of Melissa officinalis L.: Not Exclusively Anti-anxiety. Frontiers in Bioscience-Scholar. 2022; 14: 16

“…officinalis, M. officinalis subsp. inodora Bornm [8,9]. M. officinalis shows economic significance because there is an increase in growth terrain and novel varieties exploration [9].…”

“…A haploid base number of M. officinalis of x = 16 chromosomes is likely, diploid genotypes with 2n = 2× = 32 chromosomes; tetraploid 2n = 4× = 64 chromosomes, and triploid 2n = 3× = 48 chromosomes [9,10]. M. officinalis is a perennial shrubby plant, with a height of 30-150 cm with fluffy hairs surrounding all parts [8,11].…”