Genetic Profiling and Volatile Oil Content of Oregano Genotypes from Greece

Several oregano genotypes belonging to Origanum vulgare subsp. hirtum (Link) Ietsw ., O. onites L., and O. majorana L., Lamiaceae, from Greece, were genetically and chemically studied. Genetic analysis with microsatellite markers, showed the differentiation of O. onites genotypes from O. vulgare subsp. hirtum and O. majorana ones and revealed several diagnostic alleles which can be used for authentication of the plant raw material. The metabolic profiles of all oregano volatile oils contained carvacrol or thymol as their main volatile component, and others in lower concentration, such as γ -terpinene and p -cymene. Multivariate analyses revealed a clear distinction of the genotypes, based on their chemical composition. According to the Mantel test, there was no correlation between the metabolic and the genetic profile of the oregano genotypes. Molecular identification and chemical characterization contribute to the valorization of oregano material from Greece, which is in great demand, due to its high-quality properties and the various uses in food and pharmaceutical industry. Graphical Abstract .