Lippia alba (Mill.) N.E.Br. ex Britton & P. Wilson (Verbenaceae) is an aromatic shrub with medicinal importance. The species is considered an autopolyploid complex, being the main constituent of the essential oil associated with ploidal level. Triploids predominantly produce linalool, a valuable monoterpene. Synthetic polyploids of L. alba have been generated previously to explore the biosynthetic pathway of terpenes, but the physiological and metabolic aspects of those individuals were not investigated yet. Considering that polyploidy is also often linked to an increase in tolerance to extreme environmental conditions, here we evaluated both physiological and genetic responses of synthetic triploids to environmental stress such as salinity and water deficit. Enzymes related to the antioxidant system, the chemical composition of the essential oil, the DNA methylation profile, and the expression of genes related to essential oil production were analyzed. The results showed stability in these individuals under both stress conditions. Our data indicate a similarity between synthetic and natural triploids of L. alba. Additionally, the observed phenotypic plasticity in synthetic polyploids underscores their potential for further exploration, especially regarding their ability to adapt to environmental stress.

Acesse o artigo diretamente em 10.1007/s00344-025-11875-5