Genetic analysis of nothoapiol formation in Perilla frutescens.

A new essential oil chemotype of Perilla frutescens was found in that plant variety from Che-ju island in Korea. The steam-distilled oil of this plant was examined by GC-MS and 32 compounds were identified. Its principal constituents were beta-caryophyllene, dillapiol and nothoapiol. Also, crossing experiments were performed between the new chemotype and known chemotypes to clarify the genetic control of the production of nothoapiol. The gene Na, which promotes conversion from dillapiol to nothoapiol, was suggested, and was considered to be closely linked with the allele D.