Response of Mexican mint (Plectranthus amboinicus) plant to various watering regimes

Abstract

Plants are sessile, and their ability to reprogram their metabolism to adapt to fluctuations in soil water level is crucial but not clearly understood. A study was performed to determine alterations in morpho-physiological, and biochemical parameters following exposure of Mexican mint (Plectranthus amboinicus) to varying watering regimes. The water treatments were regular watering (RW), drought (DR), flooding (FL), dehydration after flooding (DHFL), or rehydration after drought (RHDR). Net photosynthetic rate, transpiration rate, and stomatal conductance were significantly (p<0.01) reduced in DR and FL plants. Calvin cycle metabolites in FL plants, glycolytic metabolites in DR plants, and total tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle metabolites in DR and DHFL plants were significantly (p < 0.05) increased. D-Limonene was significantly more pronounced in DR plants by 256% compared to RW. In conclusion, the alterations in the morpho-physiological and biochemical parameters especially the volatile constituents of Mexican mint plants under different watering regimes were revealed.