Abstract
Rose-scented geranium (Pelargonium species; family: Geraniaceae; 2n = 77) is a multi-harvest, ever green, perennial aromatic crop (Figure 1) cultivated for its essential oil. It was introduced into India from France and was initially grown as an ornamental plant on south Indian hills. Cultivation of rose-scented geranium for its essential oil was initiated in 1954 on Nilgiri hills of Tamil Nadu 1, from where the cultivation spread to other parts of India. Presently, the crop is cultivated on a limited scale in south Indian States of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and North Indian States of Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh. The crop is commercially cultivated in a number of countries, China being the major producer and exporter of the essential oil followed by Egypt. India has always been a net importer of essential oil. The imports rose from 7.6 tonnes in the late sixties to 160–180 tonnes (natural as well as reconstituted oils) 20. The shoot biomass on steam distillation yields the essential oil of commerce that is highly valued in the industry. More than 220 compounds have been identified and reported in the essential oil. The yield and chemical composition of the fragrant oil are influenced by number of factors.
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