The etnobotanic surveys, morphologic characterization focused on ex-situ conservation, propagation and agronomic production techniques were the main goals of the studies performed on Mentha pulegium and M. cervina. These species are used in Alentejo to season traditional recipes of fish and soups. These species are traditionally used for medicinal purposes in the treatment of respiratory and digestive problems. 31 populations of M. pulegium (18 wild) and 46 populatons of M. cervina (17 wild) were identified and characterized. M. pulegium seed propagation (>70% germination)is optimized at temperatures of 15ºC e 25ºC , with high accession variability. Stem propagation is a good option for both species, being above90% for M. cervina, also with high accession variability. High morphologic variability dependent on geographic origin was observed on both taxa.

Doutoramento em Engenharia Agronómica - Instituto Superior de Agronomia