ABSTRACT
The production and variability of special metabolities can be demonstrated under different light conditions, temperatures, levels of nutrition and watering in plants. The emission of monoterpenoids and sequiterpenoids by several plant groups is generally affected by those environmental factors. Low light intensity usually reduces the monoterpenoid production. Small daily changes in temperature stimulate the production of terpenoids, which decreases under high temperature. Variations in rainfall were not correlated to terpenoids production. The increase in soil N and P levels resulted in higher contents of essential oils. This review aimed to show how environmental factors may affect the production and variability of terpenoids in plants with medicinal and economical importance.
Key words
Abiotic factors; terpenoid variability; essencial oils