Growth response of mint (Mentha spicata L.) to light and shade regime

Mint (Mentha spicata L.) creeping stems were grown vegetatively under shade and sunlight. Shaded plants showed a decrease in biomass production, even though leaf number and area increased. Total chlorophyll and carotenoid contents were more whereas the chlorophyll a/b ratio was lower in plants grown under shade than in those grown in light. Growth parameters such as AGR, LAI and SLW were higher in sunlight plants, whereas LAR and SLA were higher in shade plants. The present study suggests that Mentha spicata can be well adapted to high light intensities; although capable of growing under shade, its biomass production was higher under full normal light conditions.