Experiences with descriptors for characterization of medicinal and aromatic plants

Abstract

Well-defined descriptors are an indispensable tool for management, maintenance and utilization of plant genetic resources. The International Plant Genetic Resources Institute (IPGRI), the International Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants (UPOV) and national authorities have published descriptor lists for a great variety of agricultural and horticultural crops, but only for a few species belonging to the group of medicinal and aromatic plants (MAP). Forty years of experiences with the use of descriptors in MAP mainly in the field of breeding research are communicated to support forthcoming efforts in elaborating new descriptors lists. The deliberations focus on some specifics of these minor crops, classifying the descriptors to the following groups: object, experimental data, sample specification, characteristics-growth, development, flower and reproduction biology, cytological traits, molecular traits, biotic and abiotic stress susceptibility, yield, quality differentiated in morphology-dependent quality traits, constituents, sensory quality, and impurities. MAP-specific descriptors are exemplified and the principles of important determination methods are explained. Most of the general available UPOV and IPGRI descriptors are applicable also for MAP.

The scientific information activity of Bioversity International: the descriptor lists

“…A universal and well-defined system for cataloguing and managing the information flow is needed in order to facilitate the management of these accessions and improve access to PGR data (Pank, 2005). Since 1976, Bioversity International has been developing standardized procedures for the characterization, management and evaluation of PGR information, assuring the effective conservation of plant genetic resources and their efficient utilization in crop improvement programmes.…”

Botanical Description, Cultivation Practices, Essential Oil Composition and Therapeutic Values of Origanum vulgare L. and its Future Prospective

“…[48][49][50] Recent findings revealed that Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD), Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphism (AFLP) and Selectively Amplified Microsatellite Polymorphic Loci (SAMPL) markers were effective instruments for identifying the genetic makeup of O. vulgare taxa. 51,[52][53][54][55][56][57][58][59][60][61][62][63] Essential Oil and its Chemical Composition Plants of the family Lamiaceae comprise a rich storehouse of phytochemical and biochemical such as flavonoids, phenolic compounds, and terpenoids etc. which can be oppressed for its antimicrobial activities, antioxidant activities, food preservatives, insect repellants and other therapeutic properties.…”

Wavelength Sensitive Detection

“…Another approach with direct rotation of a triple mirror is described in [23]. In one arm of the Michelson interferometer a triple mirror rotates around an axis that is laterally displaced and tilted with reference to both its own axis of symmetry and the optical axis of the interferometer.…”