Gas chromatography-Mass spectrometry analysis for profiling of essential oil constituents derived from leaves of French marigold (Tagete patula)

Abstract

Different genotypes of marigold (Tagetes sp) belonging to T. patula were investigated for essential oil content in leaves by hydro distillation and examined by gas chromatography (GC) and GC-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Results indicated that there were wide variations in genotypes for essential oil yield and chemical composition. Essential oil content in leaves of T. patula ranged from 0.08 to 0.15% on fresh weight basis. The maximum essential oil content in leaves was found in cultivar Boy-o-Boy followed by Dainty Marietta , Gulzafri Orange, Bolero Red, Gulzafri Yellow. The essential oil of leaves contained higher amounts of terpinolene, (Z)-β-ocimene, piperitone, piperitone, limonene, (E)-ocimenoxide, β-caryophyllene, (E)-β-ocimene,(Z)-ocimenone and (E)-tagetone. The results of our study clearlyshowed the presence of wide variations in essential oil yieldcontent in the leaves. The genotypes showed very similar qualitative oil composition and differing only in their relative essential oil percentages. Therefore, thorough screening of genotypes for its phytoconstituents will be beneficial for further crop improvement programme.