Qualitative properties of Mentha × piperita (L.) after application of the fungicide Hattrick DP-50

Abstract

The aim of this work was to study and verify the effect of the Hattrick DP-50 fungicide on quality and content of essential oil in <I>Mentha × piperita</I> (L.) HUDS. Cv. Perpeta (peppermint) during different developmental phases. The fungicide was applied approximately one month before the first collection. The results have shown that the phase of full bloom may be regarded as a period with the highest content of essential oil in herb and leaves of peppermint; its greatest amount was found in the youngest leaves. The content of menthol gradually increased to its maximum value in the full bloom phase, while that of menthone was decreasing. The treatment with Hattrick DP-50 did not influence the essential oil content and its changes during vegetation when compared to untreated plants. Similarly, the application of fungicide did not cause detectable changes in relative representation of main and secondary components of the essential oil.