Gentic Analysis of Nothoapiol Formation in Perilla frutescens

Abstract

A new essential oil chemotype of Perilla frutescens was found in that plant variety form Che-ju island in Korea. The steam-distilled oil of this plant was examined by GC-MS and 32 compounds were identified. Its principal constituents were β-caryophyllene, dillapiol and nothoapiol. Also, crossing experiments were performed between the new chemotype and known chemotypes to clarify the genetic of the production of nothoapiol. The gene Na, which promotes conversion form dillapiol to nothoapiol, was suggested, and was considered to be closely linked with the allele D.