Studies on the Growth of Japanese Mint Plant in Warm Region : II On the branching habit

Researches were carried out in 1958-1959 to make clear the growth process of mint plant especially refering to its branching habit. The results obtained are summarized as follows: Japanese mint plant forms the initial lateral shoot at IV∼Vlth node (inserted up a shoot) on the main stem, while those of other mint species tested form at first or second node. Initial shoot of the latter grows into a stolon. No manuring or shading delays emergence of intial shoot and new rhizome formation. New rhizome formation is active on the plant which has both initial lateral shoot emergence and new rhizome formation at the same time. Lower the cutting height on the main stem at first harvest, earlier was sprouting of rhizome, more the number of sprouts increasing. As the main stem is cut heigher, new stems originating from lateral shoots become more numerous and they develop more dominantly. Standard branch development at every harvest time is shown in Fig. 3.