Myrtle (Myrtus communis L.) as a new aromatic crop: cultivar selection

Myrtus communis L. (Myrtaceae) is a typical shrub of the Mediterranean maquis which grows spontaneously in Sardinia. It is used in the drug, perfume and food industries. Intensive myrtle cultivation systems should be developed, in order to assure both a constant supply of good quality material for the liqueur industry and the preservation of natural myrtle populations. Cultivar selection is essential for the successful cultivation of this new aromatic crop and has been the main goal of our research. The main morphological and phenological characters of 16 cultivars selected for fruit and biomass production are presented here.