Effect of Foliar Application with Methyl Jasmonate on Physiological Behavior of Mentha piperita

A valuable composition of Mentha piperita L. essential oil is menthol that is widely used for different industries. The plants were treated with different concentrations of Methyl Jasmonate (MeJA) and after 24 h were evaluated for total soluble proteins, chlorophylls (a, b, and total), malondialdehyde, carbohydrates and antioxidant enzymes (Superoxide dismutase and Guaiacol peroxidase). Variance analysis indicated significant variation in all measured traits except for chlorophyll b that is caused by different concentration of MeJA. According to these results, MeJA could active antioxidant enzyme defense system. It can be concluded that stimulation of plant defense systems using elicitors could be a valuable and alternative strategy to protect Mentha piperita from stress.