Stable genotypes selection in industrially important rose-scented Rosa grass (Cymbopogon martinii [Roxb.] Wats. var. motia Burk.)

Abstract

In Rosa grass/palmarosa essential oil, geraniol is prevalent. Rosa grass essential oil is used in the fragrance, cosmetic, food, and medicinal industries. The study was carried out in four distinct environments/locations in India. The study's objectives were to identify stable palmarosa genotypes with excellent essential oil yields and to investigate potential sites for creating mega-environment-specific agricultural genotypes. The four Indian states of Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and Uttar Pradesh provided the five genotypes of Rosa grass/ palmarosa employed in this study. In 2017 and 2018, these genotypes were tested in four environments with one control genotype, PRC-1, using a three-replicated RCB design. The average data of all three economic characteristics of Rosa grass/ palmarosa from the four environments/locations were evaluated using the AMMI model. The two genotypes that performed best overall were GEN1 and GEN2, ranked top and second in the mega-environment of the AMMI1 model family. The victorious genotypes were GEN1 and GEN2, applied in varied contexts in a one-to-one ratio. On the other hand, specific genotypes showed little capacity for adaptation. These two genotypes might be suggested for various mega-environments based on the results. Plant breeding activities are becoming more complex as a result, as data collection calls for numerous effects. In our study, the genotype GEN 1 of palmarosa, followed by GEN 2, for all three features, including total geraniol content, was the most preferred and stable option. This is the first report for an AMMI analysis on a Rosa grass/ palmarosa crop, and the AMMI model is being utilized for the first time on a Rosa grass/ palmarosa crop. Overall, the genotypes GEN1 and GEN2 were the most promising and might be used for commercial exploitation due to their high mean essential oil yield and stable total geraniol content.