Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Adaptability ofMentha piperita l. to irradiance. Growth, specific leaf area and levels of chlorophyll, protein and mineral nutrients as affected by shading

  • Original Papers
  • Published:
Biologia Plantarum

Abstract

Height growth ofMentha piperita L. is better at 44% than 100% daylight. At 14% daylight, growth is limited, probably by lack of photosynthate, and no flowering occurs. Specific leaf area and protein content increase significantly with the decrease of irradiance. Shade leaves contain more chlorophyll and potassium than sun leaves. Sun leaves show higher levels of calcium because of their more xeromorphic structure. Transfer experiments between light and shade indicate thatM. piperita responds very effectively to irradiance also in a late stage of the life cycle with changes of specific leaf area and chlorophyll content.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Bourque, D. P., Naylob, A. W.: Large effects of small water deficits on chlorophyll accumulation and ribonucleic acid synthesis in etiolated leaves of Jaok Bean (Canavalia ensiformis [L.] DC.) - Plant Physiol.47: 691–594, 1971.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bruinsma, J.: The quantitative analysis of chlorophylls a and b in plant extracts. - Photochem. Photobiol.2: 241–249, 1963.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Burbidge, J. C., Lockabd, R. G., Acquaye, D. K.: The levels of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium and magnesium in the leaves of cacao (Theobroma cacao L.) as affected by shade, fertilizer, irrigation and season. - Ann. Bot.28: 401–417, 1964.

    Google Scholar 

  • Calmés, J., Viala, G., Cables, J.: Influence de la lumière sur la répartition des éléments minéraux dans le limbe de Vigne vierge. - Oecol. Plant.10: 1–11, 1975.

    Google Scholar 

  • Coombe, D. E.: The seasonal light climate and plant growth in a Cambridgeshire wood. - In:Bainbridge, R., Evans, G. O., Rackham, O. (ed.): Light as an Ecological Factor. Pp. 148 to 166. Blackwell Scientific Publications, Oxford 1966.

    Google Scholar 

  • Haas, W.: Die Aminosäurenzusammensetzung der Proteine von Sonnen- und Schattenblättern der Blutbuche. -Planta87: 95–101, 1969.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Haas, W., Kausch, W.: Die Quotienten Calcium/Kalium und Rohlignin/Holocellulose bei Sonnen- und Schattenbl:attern der Blutbuche. - Naturwissenschaften53: 112–113, 1966.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Hughes, A. P.: The importance of light compared with other factors affecting plant growth. - In:Bainbridge, R., Evans, G. C., Rackham, O. (ed.): Light as an Ecological Factor. Pp. 121 to 147. Blackwell Scientific Publications, Oxford 1966.

    Google Scholar 

  • Humphries, E. C.: Mineral components and ash analysis. - In:Paech, K., Tracey, M. V. (ed.): Moderne Methoden der Pflanzenanalyse I. Pp. 468–502. Springer Verlag, Berlin-Göttingen -Heidelberg 1956.

    Google Scholar 

  • Margaris, N. S.: Physiological and biochemical observations in seasonal dimorphic leaves ofSarcopoterium spinosum andPhlomis fruticosa. - Oecol. Plant.12: 343–350, 1977.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Mousseau, M.: Les phénomènes de régulation structurale et fonctionnelle de l’appareil photosynthétique deTeucrium scorodonia L.: un mécanisme d’adaptation aux conditions d’éclairement. -Oecol. Plant.2: 15–26, 1967.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mubbay, D. P., Nichols, R.: Light, shade and growth in some tropical plants. - In:Bainbridge, R., Evans, G. C., Rackham, O. (ed.): Light as an Ecological Factor. Pp. 249–264. Blackwell Scientific Publications, Oxford 1966.

    Google Scholar 

  • Rumi, C. P., Carpinetti, R. M.: Effect of sunlight on the development ofTropaeolum majus: I Leaf growth. -Phyton35: 137–144, 1977.

    Google Scholar 

  • Virgin, H. J.: Chlorophyll formation and water deficit. - Physiol. Plant.18: 994–1000, 1965.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Virzo De Santo, A.: Ricerche ecologiche suMentha piperita L.: Influenza dell’intensità luminosa sulla morfologia, sulla produzione di materia secca e sul rendimento in essenza. - Delpinoa8-9: 149–168, 1966.

    Google Scholar 

  • Virzo De Santo, A.: Ecological studies onMentha piperita L. II. Effect of different light intensities on water relations.- Oecol. Plant.8: 25–40, 1973.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institute of Botany, University of Naples, Via Foria, 223, Napoli, Itaha

    A. Virzo De Santo & A. Alfani

Authors
  1. A. Virzo De Santo
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. A. Alfani
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

De Santo, A.V., Alfani, A. Adaptability ofMentha piperita l. to irradiance. Growth, specific leaf area and levels of chlorophyll, protein and mineral nutrients as affected by shading. Biol Plant 22, 117–123 (1980). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02878249

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02878249

Keywords

Search

Navigation