Assessment of the genetic diversity of Eplingiella fruticosa (Salzm. ex Benth.) Harley J.F.B.Pastore (Lamiaceae) based on morpho-agronomic markers and chemical composition of essential oils

Eplingiella fruticosa, popularly known as “alecrim-de-vaqueiro”, is an aromatic and medicinal plant of the Lamiaceae family, endemic to the coastal region of northeastern Brazil. The objective of this study was to evaluate, in 12 genotypes of E. fruticosa, the variation of 16 morpho-agronomic markers related to the plant and leaves, as well as to identify the phytochemical compounds present in the essential oil (EO) of this species. The essential oil was obtained from dry leaves by hydrodistillation and analyzed by gas chromatograph coupled to mass spectrometer and a flame ionization detector (GC–MS/FID). The data were evaluated using multivariate analysis via the unweighted pair group method with arithmetic mean (UPGMA) for hierarchical clustering with canonical variables. Based on the morpho-agronomic data obtained, the formation of at least three groups was observed. The characteristics that most contributed to the formation of the groups were left petiole length, fresh leaf weight and leaf length. The genotypes EF002, EF003, EF005 and EF012 stood out by presenting greater genetic distances, indicating good potential for use in breeding programs aimed at foliar biomass production. A total 15 constituents were identified in the EOs, of which (E)-caryophyllene, bicyclogermacrene and α-pinene were the main components of all genotypes. Diversity classification based on chemical composition of EOs put them into groups. The highest detected components in the respective genotypes were: Group 1, represented by seven genotypes, containing (E)-caryophyllene (8.61–13.15