Genetic Variability and Elite Line Selection for High Essential Oil and Nepetalactone Content in Catmint (<i>Nepeta cataria</i> L.)

Nepeta cataria L., commonly known as catmint or catnip, belongs to the family “Lamiaceae” and is indigenous Europe Asia. The essential oil of this species for richness diversity nepetalactones (NPL) which are used mosquito/insect repellents in perfumery cosmetic industries. Reports on Indian germplasm very meager warrants exploration its commercial potential a natural, non-toxic source insect repellents. With objective, open-pollinated seeds collected from native, temperate habitat Himalayas were introduced tropical plains. Subsequent adaptation new zone we able isolate nineteen individual plants based plant growth. Hydrodistillation fresh herb yielded range 0.01% 0.2%. Gas Chromatography (GC) GC-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) analyses revealed dominance monoterpene hydrocarbon, namely, 4a?,7?,7a? NPL (1) isomer (84%). other two isomers nepetalactone, 4a?,7?,7a? (2) 4a?,7?,7a? (3) also present, although less amounts (1.0% 1.6%, respectively). Sesquiterpenes identified ?-humulene (traces), (E)-caryophyllene (0.6%) caryophyllene oxide (1.7%). We compared chemotype with oils temperate, sub-tropical locations literature search. was found be similar Burundi, France, Turkey, UK USA, mainly due more accumulation isomer. These grouped together Principal Component Analysis. Breeding lines presently being developed improve yield related traits plant. Multidisciplinary R&D efforts along setting up industry guidelines required successfully commercialize cultivation. Several genus have high nepetalactone content too their these still needs explored.