Trichome-specific and developmentally regulated biosynthesis of nepetalactones in leaves of cultivated Nepeta rtanjensis plants

•Nepetalactone and dehydronepetalactone are the main iridoids of N. rtanjensis.•Developmental regulation of nepetalactone biosynthesis occurs in leaves.•Regulation at transcriptional level implies a significant role of putative NrIS.•Nepetalactone content in leaves is determined by its biosynthesis and conversion rate.•Biosynthesis and accumulation of nepetalactone is localized in glandular trichomes.