Effect of altitude and soil factors on morphological and phytochemical traits of Mentha pulegium L. in different habitats of Kerman Province

Abstract

159 Mohsen Zafaranieh et al., / Environmental Resources Research 13, 1 (2025)
Effect of altitude and soil factors on morphological and phytochemical traits of 
Mentha pulegium L. in different habitats of Kerman Province, Iran
Mohsen Zafaranieh1*, Mahboubeh Zamanipour 2
, Javad Yousefi3
1, 2 Assistance Professor, Department of Agriculture, Technical and Engineering, Velayat University, Iranshahr, Iran
3
Instructor, Department of Environmental Science, Technical and Engineering, Velayat University, Iranshahr, Iran
Article Info Abstract
Article type:
Research Article
Article history: 
Received: October 2024 
Accepted: April 2025
Corresponding author:
mohsen.zafaranieh245@gmail.com
Keywords: 
Anthocyanin
Pennyroyal
Percentage of essential oil
Medicinal plants
To investigate the effect of environmental and soil factors on 
morphological and qualitative characteristics of Pennyroyal or
M. pulegium, research was conducted in five habitats of the 
species in 2022 in Kerman Province of Iran. Plant samples were 
collected from random quadrats (1×1m2
) during the flowering 
stage in natural habitats of Kerman, Kohbanan, Raver, Zarand, 
and Chatrood. The collected data were subjected to one-way 
analysis of variance (ANOVA) and means were compared 
among locations. The results indicated significant diversity 
among the sites. Altitude significantly influenced essential oil 
yield and composition. The highest essential oil percentage 
(0.198%) was observed at Kohbanan (highest altitude), which 
was 35% higher than Chatrood (lowest altitude, 0.112%). 
However, Ravar and Kohbanan sites had the highest overall 
essential oil yields (2.77% and 2.133%, respectively). The 
greatest chlorophyll content (1.26) was recorded at Kohbanan, 
which was 44% higher than at Ravar. While soil properties like
nutrient content and texture were important, altitude had a more 
pronounced effect on plant quality characteristics. This study 
demonstrates that altitude is a critical ecological factor 
influencing the growth and chemical composition of Mentha 
pulegium. While soil characteristics contribute to plant 
development, environmental conditions at varying altitudes 
have a greater impact on essential oil content, chlorophyll 
levels, and anthocyanin production. These insights are valuable 
for optimizing Pennyroyal cultivation for medicinal or 
industrial purposes.
Cite this article: Zafaranieh, Mohsen; Zamanipour, Mahbobeh; Yousefi, Javad. 2025. Effect of 
altitude and soil factors on morphological and phytochemical traits of Mentha pulegium L. 
in different habitats of Kerman province, Iran. Environmental Resources Research, 
13(1), 159-169. 
 © The Author(s). DOI: 10.22069/ijerr.2025.22839.1451
 Publisher: Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources