Abstract Detail

Ecological Section

Birnbaum, Amanda [1].

Volatile Oils of Monarda viridissima, an Endemic Species of the Carrizo Sand Formation in Texas.

Volatile oils are used by plants for attracting pollinators, deterring herbivores, allelopathy and as antibacterial and antifungal agents. The use of volatile oils by humans dates back to ancient civilizations where they were used for culinary purposes, medicinally, flavors and fragrance and insecticide. The mint family has numerous genera well known for their production of volatile oils in all parts of the plant. Botanists have studied volatile oils for taxonomic and phylogenetic purposes to elucidate patterns between and among species and have shown production of volatile oils can be influenced by environmental factors as well as genetic factors. The present study investigates Monarda viridissima, an edaphic endemic restricted to certain areas of the Carrizo sand formation in Texas where it has been collected in six counties. The distribution of the genus Monarda (Lamiaceae) is limited to North America, where it can be found as far north as the Canadian prairies and as far south as Central Mexico, on both the east and west coasts and everywhere in between. The influence of edaphic factors and leaf maturity on the composition of volatile oils was investigated, as well as a comparison of leaf and flower oils of the same plant. M.viridissima was grown in four different soil types in order to determine how much of the variation in production of volatile oils is due to edaphic factors. Gas chromatographic patterns obtained from volatile oils of Monarda viridissima are discussed.

Broader Impacts:

1 - Texas State University, Biology, 119 Vista, San Marcos, TX, 78666, USA

Keywords:
edaphic factor
Volatile Organic Compounds.

Presentation Type: Poster:Posters for Sections
Session: P
Location: Hall A/Convention Center
Date: Monday, August 2nd, 2010
Time: 5:30 PM
Number: PEC029
Abstract ID:759