Fragrant garden staples part of the sprawling mint family like thyme, basil and lavender are hiding some super-sized secrets with big applications, according to Spartan researchers.   

While unraveling the genetic makeup of a mint relative called ground oak, MSU biochemists discovered it sported a truly massive genome — nearly as large as our own — as well as an extra-large gene cluster and four sets of chromosomes.

Mint plant family members are known for their natural anti-cancer, anti-pest and anti-viral properties and by unraveling ground oak’s genetic mysteries, researchers are one step closer to reproducing these naturally powerful plant chemicals in the lab.

“What if we could spray our veggies with a natural product that makes a hungry deer or insect say, ‘No thank you,’” MSU researcher Björn Hamberger said, noting potential uses in large-scale agriculture.