Evaluation of the agronomic performance and taxonomic characterization of four clones of oregano (Origanum sp.)

Abstract

The objectives of this study were to evaluate four clones of oregano grown in major production areas andcarry out the taxonomic identification of these clones. Four clones of oregano named as "Mendocino","Compacto", "Cordobés" and "Criollo" were field evaluated in two locations: La Consulta (Mendoza) andCapilla de los Remedios (Córdoba). The following traits were measured: plant height (taken as the length ofthe longest branch in cm), fresh weight (kg ha-1) and dry weight (kg ha-1) and the water (%) and fiber contentwere estimated. The fiber content was estimated as the ratio dry weight / fresh weight). The botanicalidentification of the tested clones was conducted using the identification keys proposed by Ietswaart, Xifredaand Rouquaud & Videla. Significant differences between environments and between clones were observed forall analyzed traits. From the botanical identification it was determined that the clone "Medocino" correspondsto the hybrid Origanum x majoricum, the clone "Compacto" belongs to the species Origanum vulgare sspvulgare and clones "Criollo" and "Cordobés" both belong to the species Origanum vulgare ssp hirtum. Thedifferences observed between clones in terms of their agronomic performance were consistent with the resultsof the taxonomic identification of the clones.