Variability of Volatiles in Tunisian Mentha pulegium L. (Lamiaceae).

Fourteen Tunisian Mentha pulegium L. populations were assessed for their extract composition by GC and GC/ MS. They were collected in different geographical areas corresponding with their bioclimates. Thirty-four components representing 78.4% of the total extract were identified. Pulegone (41.8%), followed by isomenthone (11.3%) and carvone (6.2%) were the main compounds. The amounts of menthofuran and menthol did not exceed 3.7% and 2.8%, respectively. Differences in the extract compositions were recorded among populations, and three bioclimate related chemotypes were identified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]