Variation of Monoterpenoid Content among Subspecies and Accessions of Artemisia tridentata Grown in a Uniform Garden

Abstract

We discovered that the midwinter monoterpenoid (volatile or essential oils) content of A. tridentata is under genetic control. We base this conclusion on the results of our study which demonstrated that some accessions of A. tridentata, grown under uniform conditions, contained significantly higher levels of monoterpenoids than others. The relationship between monoterpenoids, digestion, and palatability has not yet been conclusively demonstrated. If monoterpenoids interfere with digestion or have a negative impact on palatability, breeding and selection schemes can be developed to capitalize on the significant variation that exists among accessions of A. tridentata. Superior strains of A. tridentata could then be developed for use on mule deer winter ranges.