one method is induced drought stress in Mentha is by exposing the plant to osmotic stress using a solution of polyethylene glycol (PEG), which reduces the availability of water for the plant. PEG-induced drought stress has been shown to cause significant changes in the physiological and biochemical responses of Mentha plants.

Another method for inducing drought stress in Mentha is to withhold water for a certain period, depending on the growth stage and water requirement of the plant.

Neha Gupta. `The easiest way to apply drought stress in pot experiments is to let the soil completely dry. Depending on the substrate or soil water retention properties and initial substrate or soil moisture contents, this can take one to several weeks. You can score different phenotypes along the drought progression. The advantage of this method is that it is not labour-intensive. On the other hand, the disadvantage is that not all plants will experience the same level of drought (small plants will transpire less than large plants and thus will experience less drought).

Neha Gupta determine field capacity (FC) moisture contents of the substrate using any available moisture measuring instruments or simply by Gravimetric method. Also determine FC moisture contents of Mentha spicata at which it undergoes drought (In most of species it varies between 60-80% of FC moisture) using already published work. For example Mentha spicata start to show drought symptoms at 60% FC moisture contents, then 60% FC moisture will be drought treatment (i.e. water will be applied when substrate reaches 60% FC moisture contents). Use 100% FC moisture contents as control/ non stressed treatment.