Rajab Mazen(1)*, Mtawj Wael (1) and Mahfoud Hafez(1)
(1). Research Centre of Lattakia, General Commission for Scientific Agricultural Research. GCSAR, Syria.
(*corresponding author: Rajab Mazen -, Email: mazenrajab@gmail.com).
Received:5/11/2022 Accepted:5/02/2023
Abstract:
The research aims to study the bay leaf with high medicinal, aromatic, and industrial value in two locations in Lattakia (Kassab and Samra). Natural spread was determined and the phenotypic identity of laurel was established through a taxonomic key for fruits based on (fruit weight and size, shape index, and kernel-mottled trait) and then the genetic diversity of 20 phenotypes was studied using 10 RAPD primers. The percentage of oil extracted from fruits and leaves was estimated to select the best genotype. The percentage of seed germination was estimated and some selected genotypes were propagated by rooting mature cuttings, grafting, and cuttings. The results showed differences between the studied genotypes in terms of fruit shape (elongated, oval, spherical), gradient in size, weight, and mottled trait. The fruits of the KSS8 genotype were the best in terms of weight and size, with an average fruit weight (2.56 g) and an average size of (2.35 cm³) and its fruits were oval in shape. The results of RAPD showed a genetic diversity of bay leaf with a percentage of 78.3. The best genotypes KSS1, KSS5, KSS8 and KA0 were selected. Based on the percentage of oil in fruits that reached more than 58% in the tissues of the pericarp and more than 42% in the tissues of the endocarp, the percentage of seed germination was 85% without significant differences between the genotypes. The treatment 2000 ppm showed a rooting rate of more than 66% after 6 months. The percentage of grafting was 10%. We suggest introducing bay leaf into the agricultural system as a medicinal, aromatic, nutritional plant with a high investment value.
Keywords: Laurus nobilis, genetic diversity, propagation, oil extraction
Full paper in Arabic: pdf