Aromatic, culinary and medicinal plants

Coriandrum spp., Petroselinum spp., Mentha spp., Ocimum spp., Artemisia spp., Foeniculum spp., Laurus spp., Majorana spp., Melissa spp., Pimpinella spp., Rosmarinus spp. and others

1. Identification and origin

Aromatic, condiment and medicinal plants comprise a diverse set of species belonging to various botanical families, notably Apiaceae [Coriandrum sativum L., Petroselinum crispum (Mill.) Fuss, Foeniculum vulgare Mill., Pimpinella anisum L.], Lamiaceae [Mentha spp., Ocimum basilicum L., Rosmarinus officinalis L. (currently Salvia rosmarinus Spenn.), Melissa officinalis L,, Origanum majorana L.], Asteraceae (Artemisia spp.) and Lauraceae (Laurus nobilis L.).
The origin of these species is varied, covering Mediterranean, Asian and Euro-Asian regions. They are cultivated for culinary, medicinal, aromatic and industrial purposes.

2. Economic importance

This group of crops has high economic importance due to:

• production of fresh and dried leaves for culinary use.
• extraction of essential oils for the food, cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries.
• traditional and modern medicinal use.
• growing demand for natural and functional products.
• relevance in organic farming and local markets.

The diversity of species allows continuous production throughout the year, in the field or greenhouse.

3. Botanical characterisation

Despite the diversity, these species share common characteristics:

• herbaceous or subshrub habit (except Laurus nobilis, which is arboreal).
• aromatic leaves rich in volatile compounds (terpenes, phenols, aldehydes).
• small flowers, frequently grouped in inflorescences (umbels in the Apiaceae; verticillasters in the Lamiaceae).
• dry fruits, frequently achenes or drupaceous.
• reproduction by seed, cutting or clump division, depending on the species.

4. Soil and climate requirements

The requirements vary between species, but in general:

• they prefer temperate to Mediterranean climates, with good light.
• they tolerate some dryness, except Mentha spp., which prefers moist soils.
• they require well-drained, fertile soils rich in organic matter.
• ideal pH between 6.0–7.5.
• sensitive to waterlogging, which favours root diseases.
• some species are sensitive to cold (Ocimum basilicum), while others tolerate it well (Rosmarinus officinalis, Laurus nobilis).

5. Main pests

• Aphids (Aphididae): deformations and transmission of viral diseases.
• Thrips: Thrips tabaci and other species cause leaf silvering.
• Carrot fly: Psila rosae in Apiaceae..
• Whitefly: Bemisia tabaci in greenhouses.
• Mites (Tetranychidae): silvering and loss of vigour.
• Leaf miners: Liriomyza spp. on tender leaves.
• Slugs and snails: damage to young leaves.

6. Main diseases

• Downy mildew: Peronospora spp. and Plasmopara spp. in various species.
• Powdery mildew: Erysiphe spp. and Golovinomyces spp. in Lamiaceae and Apiaceae.
• Septoria leaf spot: Septoria petroselini in parsley and S. apiicola in coriander.
• Alternaria leaf spot: Alternaria spp. on leaves and stems.
• Root rots: Pythium, Rhizoctonia and Phytophthora spp.
• Rusts: Puccinia spp. in susceptible species.
• Viral diseases: viruses transmitted by aphids and thrips, varying by species.

7. General crop management

The management of these crops includes:

• use of certified seeds or healthy vegetative material.
• planting in well-drained soils with good sun exposure.
• weed control, especially in low-growing crops.
• regular irrigation, avoiding waterlogging.
• crop rotation to reduce soil-borne diseases.
• monitoring of pests and diseases, especially in greenhouses.
• careful harvesting to preserve aromatic and sanitary quality.
• adequate drying and storage when intended for dehydration or essential oil extraction.

Bibliographic references

• EPPO Global Database – various species of Coriandrum, Petroselinum, Mentha, Ocimum, Artemisia, Foeniculum, Laurus, Melissa, Rosmarinus.
• CABI – Crop Factsheets and Invasive Species Compendium (various species).
• FAO – Technical documents on aromatic and medicinal plants.
• Simon, J. E. et al. (1999). Herbs: Botany, Production and Uses. CABI.
• Baser, K. H. C., & Buchbauer, G. (2010). Handbook of Essential Oils. CRC Press.
• European Medicines Agency – monographs of medicinal plants.