Scented Geranium Research Articles

Overcoming Challenges in Scented Geranium Cultivation, Processing, and Marketing: Study from Northern Karnataka, India

Medicinal and aromatic crops play a pivotal role in the socio-cultural, economic, spiritual and health dimensions of India's rural population and have become an integral part of our culture and rituals. Karnataka is a major repository of aromatic and medicinal treasures of the country. The demand for aromatic plants in India surpasses the available supply, prompting the widespread commercial cultivation of major aromatic crops in various regions. Among these, scented geranium emerges as a vital perennial aromatic, cultivated for its leaves imbued with a captivating rose fragrance. The aromatic oil of scented geranium is increasingly replacing traditional rose oil and identified as one of the top 20 essential oils traded globally. The present study aims to identify challenges in cultivation, processing and marketing aspects of scented geranium in Northern Karnataka. Considering the area and concentration of scented geranium in the state, Belagavi district is purposively selected for the study. Primary data was collected through personnel interview of randomly selected geranium growers. The major challenges faced by the farmers in the production, processing and marketing aspects of scented geranium were analysed and prioritized through Garett ranking technique. Analysis of the data revealed that in production, high cost of planting material, lack of high yielding varieties and high wage rates, high cost of inputs and sensitivity of crop to heavy rains were identified as top five constraints. Whereas, in processing, significant hurdles were high working capital requirement, high capital investment in installation distillation unit and insufficient knowledge on operation of distillation units, low oil recovery and lack of efficient processing equipment. In marketing aspects, high price fluctuation, lack of marketing information and lack of competition in the market, non-existence of local market and lack of adequate demand in nearby area were identified as major challenges in the study area. Educating farmers in nursery management and implementing mechanization techniques, particularly for harvesting, are crucial for enhancing productivity and profitability. Additionally, training on proper storage and transportation practices is essential to maintain the quality of volatile essential oils. This comprehensive strategy promotes sustainable and economically viable cultivation of scented geraniums in the region.

Impact of nitrogen fertilization and spacing on the yield and oil content of scented geranium (Pelargonium graveolens L’Hér.)

Impact of nitrogen fertilization and spacing on the yield and oil content of scented geranium (Pelargonium graveolens L’Hér.)

Effect of nano urea on growth and yield of scented geranium (Pelargonium graveolens L. Herit)

Nanotechnology holds promise for optimizing nutrient delivery in agriculture. This study examines the impact of nano urea, a nanoscale urea formulation, on scented geranium (Pelargonium graveolens) growth and yield. A randomized controlled trial compared nano urea with traditional urea on various growth and yield parameters. Nano urea treatment, T7-15 kg N neem coated urea + 0.5 ml l-1 nano urea improved the growth and yield of scented geranium. Plants sprayed with nano urea had maximum growth (plant height, number of leaves per plant, number of branches per plant, plant spread), yield (fresh herbage yield (1.53 and 1.26 kg per plant, 28.76 and 25.56 kg per net plot and 14.27 and 12.68 t per hectare) and essential oil yield per hectare (14.70 and 13.11 kg) in both the main as well as ratoon crops respectively.

Larvicidal, Insecticidal and Mosquito repellent activity of Scented Geranium (Pelargonium species) essential oil against Malarial Vector; Anopheles stephensi

Larvicidal, Insecticidal and Mosquito repellent activity of Scented Geranium (Pelargonium species) essential oil against Malarial Vector; Anopheles stephensi

Effect of Different Concentrations of Auxin Hormone (IBA) Upon Promoting Root Development of Stem Cuttings in the ‘Scented Geranium’, Pelargonium graveolens L

The present investigation entitled “Effect of different concentrations of auxin hormone (IBA) upon promoting root development of stem cuttings in the ‘Scented Geranium’, Pelargonium graveolens L” was carried out at Medicinal and Aromatic Plants Research Station, (MAPRS) Rajendranagar, Sri Konda Laxman Telangana State Horticultural University, Hyderabad during December 2022 to February 2023. The experiments were conducted using a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with three replications under a shade net house. Each replication consisted of seven treatments, which included a control group and six different concentrations of IBA (500 mg L-1, 1000 mg L-1, 1500 mg L-1, 2000 mg L-1, 2500 mg L-1, 3000 mg L-1). The results indicated, that among the various IBA concentrations tested, specifically IBA @ 2000 mg L-1 for stem cuttings, proved to be more effective than all other treatments in terms of various root parameters. It recorded the minimum days taken for root initiation and also recorded better results for the number of roots per cutting, average length of roots per cutting, length of longest root per cutting, fresh weight of roots per cutting, and dry weight of roots per cuttings.

Effect of harvest dates, mycorrhiza, and some biostimulants on some vegetative growth properties and yield of volatile oil for sweet scented geranium plant (Pelargonium graveolens L.Herit.)

The experiment was carried out in one of the fields of Research Station B in the College of Agricultural Engineering Sciences / University of Baghdad - Al-Jadiriya on the fragrant plant for the spring season 2021 in order to study the effect of harvest date, mycorrhiza, bio-stimulants and the interaction among them on some characteristics of vegetative growth and the essential oil yield of sweet-scented geranium plants. The experiment used a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with a split-plot design with three replications. The experiment included three factors, as the factor of harvest dates represents the main panels with two harvest dates, which are 60 and 90 after planting and symbolized by H1 and H2. In contrast, the secondary panels include the treatment of the mycorrhizal fungal vaccine by two treatments, namely, not adding the mycorrhizal fungal vaccine to the root system and adding it with symbols M1 and M2 As for the sub-secondary panels, the treatments include four stimulating factors: the measurement treatment and the spraying of the vegetative mass with the amino acid phenylalanine at a concentration of 300 mg l ̄¹. The treatment of spraying the foliage with moringa leaf extract at a concentration of 10 gm L ̄¹ and the treatment of spraying the foliage with licorice root powder extract at a concentration of 10gm L ̄¹symbolized by B1, B2, B3, and B4 respectively. The results showed the superiority of the H2 treatment in most indicators of vegetative growth, as well as the increase in the percentages of each of the nutrients and volatile oil in the dried leaves and the volatile oil yield in the dried leaves. Treatment M2 significantly increased all vegetative growth characteristics as well as the percentages of nutrients and volatile oil in dried leaves and volatile oil yield in dried leaves. In contrast, treatment B3 showed an increase in the number of main branches, total number of leaves, total leaf area, fresh and dry weight of leaf yield in the plant and the content of The dried leaves of total chlorophyll as well as the percentages of nutrients and volatile oil in the dried leaves of the plant and the yield of volatile oil in the dried leaves. In contrast, treatment B2 had a significant effect in increasing the plant height rate, the number of main branches and the fresh weight of the leaves. It is one of the most prominent triple interaction treatments recorded. The largest increase in all the traits studied above is the triple interaction H2M2B3 treatment, which was characterized by an Bionatura http://dx.doi.org/10.21931/RB/CSS/2023.08.04.69 2 increase in most vegetative growth characteristics, especially the wet and dry weight of leaves and the percentages of nutrients as well as the percentage of volatile oil and volatile oil yield in the leaves. The triple interaction treatment H2M2B4 was also characterized by its recording of Remarkable superiority in both plant height and leaf content of Total chlorophyll and potassium percentage. Keywords: Sweet-scented geranium plant, Harvest date, Mycorrhizae, Biostimulants, vegetative growth, volatile oil.

Enhancing productivity, quality, and economics of rose scented geranium (Pelargonium graveolens L.) through a novel integrated approach to phosphorus application

Phosphorus limitation is a major factor that adversely affects rose scented geranium (Pelargonium graveolens L.) herbage followed by essential oil yield which is extracted from the green herbage of this high-value aromatic plant. To ensure sustainable yield, the need to improve phosphorus use efficiency in geranium cultivation is inevitable. Current study was undertaken to develop a cost-effective integrated phosphorus management package for the grower’s community to maximize yield, quality, and economics of geranium by combining optimizing phosphorous dose with paddy straw mulch and inoculation with vesicular arbuscular mycorrhiza (VAM). Field experiments were conducted for two consecutive years (2020–21 and 2021–22) at the research farm of CSIR-Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, Lucknow, India. Twelve treatment combinations were executed in a split plot design. Treatment comprised of two levels of paddy straw mulch (7.5 t ha−1 and no mulch), two levels of vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizae (VAM) inoculation (6.5 kg ha−1and no VAM), and three levels of phosphorous doses (100 kg P2O5 ha−1, 150 P2O5 kg ha−1, and no Phosphorus). Mean data of two years revealed that rose scented geranium is a highly responsive crop towards all the variables applied. Growth parameters, yield attributes, herbage and oil yield, and essential oil quality were significantly improved. Nutrient uptake which is a prime concern of this study was also enhanced due to improvement in soil enzymatic activity, soil microbial biomass carbon, and soil nutrient status due to the combined effect of paddy straw mulching, VAM application, and optimum P doses. Maximum fresh herb yield (657.41 kg ha−1) was recorded in M1V1P1 while the highest volatile oil content, and oil yield (0.131% and 69.11 kg ha−1 respectively) were found in M1V1P2. At both the crop stages, maximum nutrient uptake (N = 1.44% and 1.85%, P = 0.30% and 0.35%, and K= 2.03% and 2.45% respectively) were also recorded with M1V1P2. The same treatment combination (M1V1P2) was recorded with maximum gross return (10403.3 US$ ha−1), total net profit (7795.5 US$ ha−1), and B:C ratio (2.99). Thus, this study recommends that geranium should be grown with appropriate phosphorus dose i.e. 150 kg P2O5 ha−1 along with VAM application (6.5 kg ha−1) and paddy straw mulching @ 7.5 t ha−1 for higher, cost-effective, and better quality oil production.

Physiological and chemical changes induced by transparent polythene + green net shed on Pelargonium graveolens L. mother plants during monsoon season

Pelargonium graveolens L. or rose scented geranium is an essential oil-bearing plant with extended economic value. It has strong pharmacological and aromatic properties along with its frequent application in perfumery, food, cosmetics, and pharma industries. Seasonal fluctuations in northern India have a detrimental effect on the survival of P. graveolens. Due to its male sterility, the plant is unable to propagate by sexual reproduction, so, vegetative propagation is the only option to grow and protect the mother plant for the next season. To protect the plant in adverse conditions our researchers had developed a protective shed i.e. transparent polythene + green net shed (S) but the reason for the increased survival and growth of the plant in the shed was not well understood. In the present research, approximately 91% of P. graveolens mother plants were protected under the shed compared to open conditions (O). The current study also reported high humidity, increased air temperature and increased microbial infection in open condition, exerting various physiological and chemical changes which further have detrimental effects on plant growth and survival. In shed conditions, a decreased level of antioxidant enzymes, antioxidant metabolites, and elevated level of photosynthetic pigments were observed. Further, an increased density of glandular and non-glandular trichomes and an improved quality and quantity of essential oil were observed in shed conditions. Considering the above observations, polythene + green net shed can be used as an auspicious approach for protecting the P. graveolens mother plant in monsoon season due to its effect on soil moisture, soil microbial biomass carbon (SMBC), trichome morphology/density and yield of essential oil.

Enhancement of Rose Scented Geranium Plant Growth, Secondary Metabolites, and Essential Oil Components through Foliar Applications of Iron (Nano, Sulfur and Chelate) in Alkaline Soils

Iron (Fe) deficiency exists as a widespread nutritional disorder in alkaline and calcareous soils; therefore, Fe-enriching strategies may be used to overcome this issue. Field experiments were conducted with a randomized complete design with three replicates for evaluating the effectiveness of iron oxide nanoparticles (Fe-NPs) against traditional Fe compounds (sulfate or chelate), which have various shortcomings on Rose-scented geranium (RSG) herb in terms of plant growth, phytopharmaceuticales, essential oil (EO), and its constituents. Supplementation of Fe-sources considerably improved RSG plant growth and EO yield in the 1st and 2nd cut throughout the two seasons over non-treated control plants. A total of 11 compounds of RSG-EO were identified; the main constituents were citronellol, geraniol, and eugenol. The results indicate that EO composition was significantly affected by Fe-sources. Amendments of Fe-sources considerably augmented photosynthetic pigments, total carbohydrates, nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium, iron, manganese, zinc, phenols, flavonoids, and anthocyanin. Commonly, Fe-NPs with humic acid (Fe-NPs-HA) supplementation was superior to that of traditional sources. The highest values were recorded with spraying Fe-NPs-HA at 10 mg L−1 followed by 5 mg L−1, meanwhile, the lowest values were recorded in untreated control plants. Current findings support the effectiveness of nanoparticle treatment over Fe-sources for improving growth and yield while also being environmentally preferred in alkaline soil. These modifications possibly will be applicable to EO quality and its utilization in definite food and in medical applications.

Pelargonium graveolens L. (Rose-scented geranium): New hope for doubling Indian farmers’ income

Pelargonium graveolens is a species in the Pelargonium genus and falls within the plant family of Geraniaceae. The total production of essential oil is estimated at 300-350 tone, whereas the world market demands more than 400 t per year. Now geranium crop has been cultivated for commercial purpose in areas with high altitude and milder climate. P. graveolens is also come up very well mainly in the Nilgiris and Kodaikanal Hilly region of Tamil Nadu and around the Bangalore in Karnataka in an area of 2000 ha. At medium altitude, rose scented geranium is an important high-value perennial crop but grown as seasonal in plain areas. This aromatic shrub can reach up to the height of 70 cm and lateral of 90cm. In-spite of this the commercial cultivation of Rose-scented geranium still scanty being it’s a high economic value in per unit area and time crops as compared to other medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs). Because, rose-scented geranium is sensitive to rainy season and noted 100% mortality in open field condition during rainy season. Hence the major bottleneck in its popularization seems to be saving of quality planting material in rainy season. Hence, there is an urgent need to develop new approach or way through agronomic, breeding, acclimatization, etc to save quality planting material during rainy season. If, we are able to develop this type approach, then Rose-scented geranium can play a beneficial role in doubling the income of Indian farmers.

Development of poly herbal mosquito repellent

In order to obtain safe and effective herbal mosquito repellent formulations by combining selected plant materials, the present study was conducted to establish the mosquito repellent efficacy of some selected plant materials. Essential oils of Origanum majorana (Marua/Marwa), Tanacetum cinerarifolium (Pyrethrum), Juniperus communis (Aiteal), Scented geranium (Pelargonium), Thuja occidentalis L. (Arbor Vitae, White Cedor/Yellow Cedor), Tecoma stans (L.) Juss. Ex Kunth (Piliya/ Pila Kaner/ Yellow Bells, Artenmisia arborescent (Worm Wood/Mugworts, and Calamintha acinos (Thyme Basil) were Purchased from a reliable source. Essential oil containing ethanol solutions was prepared by 10 percent (V/V percent) of each essential oil plant and testing of mosquito repellent behavior was performed using arm-in-cage process. Volunteer's forearm, rubbed with 1ml of the test solution, was exposed to the cage where 25 blood-seeking mosquitoes were put and the amount of mosquitoes aligning or biting the arm in each minute was registered for five minutes each. Three replicates were performed for each essential oil that contained ethanol solutions. A 16 percent (V/V percent) mosquito repellent formulation after analyzing the mosquito repellent activity of individual essential oils. Outdoor and indoor field trials were performed around 5p.m. And 10:00p.m. After two days the mosquito repellent formulation is applied to the volunteer legs. This formulation demonstrated 100 percent repellence of mosquitoes in outdoor and indoor field studies that were performed for 5 hours each day for two days. The gel showed 97 percent mosquito repellence in outdoor and indoor field trials that were conducted for two days for six hours each day.

Evaluation of the potential of (pelargonium roseum) scented geranium plant to uptake and accumulate lead

The major objective of this investigation was to evaluate the potential of scentedgeranium plant, Pelargonium roseum to uptake and accumulate lead under greenhouseconditions. Plants were grown in an artificial soil system and exposed to a range of leadconcentrations (0-2500mg.L- 1 Pb (NO3)2) in over a 14 day treatment period. The resultsshowed that the uptake and accumulation of lead in shoot and root followed a similartrend. The highest amount of lead accumulation was detected at 2500mg.L- 1 lead nitratein the culture solution that was 86566.68±7864 mg.kg-' DW for roots and4416.04±502.27 mg.kg-' DW for shoots. The linear pattern of uptake suggests theinvolvement of both active and passive transport mechanisms for lead uptake. Finally,because the high concentrations of lead found in shoots of scented geranium plants hasfar exceeded 0.1 % DW, Pelargonium roseum may be a new hyperaccumulator speciesfor this metal and be used for phytoremediation industry.

RAPD assisted diversity analysis of scented geranium lines (DNA finger printing)

RAPD assisted diversity analysis of scented geranium lines (DNA finger printing)

A novel method for survival of rose-scented geranium (Pelargonium graveolens L.) mother plants under extreme climatic conditions

Rose Scented Geranium (Pelargonium graveolens L.) can be a profitable crop for the farmers of northern Indian plains. But, the commercialization of the crop is facing 100% mother plants mortality in extreme climatic conditions during the rainy season and non-economic saving under Air Conditioned glass house. Hence, four-year experiment (2013–2016) was carried out for the development of economically viable technology to save the propagules. Results revealed that geranium propagules could be savedup to 95% during monsoon period by employing cost-effective field practice, i.e.,optimization of time of propagule development under open condition (middle of March). Growing soil medium (sandy clay loam) and shifting them in specially designed shed before the onset of monsoon (Polythene + green net shed), whereas under air condistioned (AC) glass house survival was only up to 85%.Plants were healthier in the shed as compared to AC glass house. They provided more cutting when grown in particular shed.The number of mother plants required for one-hectare commercial plantation reduced in the range of 63.64%–85.19% and area required for developing them reduced in the range of 63.63%to45.98% for the planting between November to February in the newly developed method as compared with AC glass house. It will reduce the cost of the one-hectare commercial plantation from 98.42% to 97.11%. Also cost per propagule was reduced from 0.48 $ plant−1 in AC glass house to 0.025$ plant−1 in field method having shed of transparent polythene + green net. The method used here could be beneficial for the farmers as it generates more planting material without any electricity requirement.

Evaluation of scented geranium accessions for morphological and yield attributes in southern Indian conditions

Scented geranium ( Pelargonium spp.:Geraniaceae) is an important, high value aromatic crop of South African origin. The oil of geranium is obtained by steam distillation of tender plant parts. More than 120 constituents are identified in the oil. Due to high demand and price for the oil, an excellent potential exists for increasing cultivated area in India. An attempt was made to evaluate and characterize the available accessions of scented geranium based on their morphology and yield attributes. There were seven treatments and four replications. PG-12 recorded maximum plant height (53.45 cm), PG-1 recorded maximum plant spread (6706.43 cm 2 ), PG-12 registered maximum number of leaves (469.20), PG-11 recorded the highest (12.35 mm) stem diameter. Flowering was observed in the accessions PG-1, PG-8, PG-10, KB and CIMAP though the extent varied widely. KB recorded the maximum herb yield per plant, per plot and per hectare (0.69 kg, 13.90 kg and 19.30 t, respectively). PG-8 registered the maximum oil content (0.437%), KB recorded the maximum essential oil (2.07 ml, 41.43 ml and 57.53 1, respectively) per plant, per plot and per hectare oil yield. So, KB and PG-8 were found best among all for their essential oil yield and quality.

Characterization of scented geranium accessions for odour and chemical compositions in southern transitional zone of Karnataka

Characterization of scented geranium accessions for odour and chemical compositions in southern transitional zone of Karnataka

Iodosylbenzene (PhIO) mediated synthesis of rose oxide from β-citronellol and its application for in situ rose oxide enrichment led valorization of citronella essential oil

Rose oxide occupies top rank among the volatiles of high olfactory significance. Naturally it occurs as a minor but precious constituent of essential oils obtained from Rosa damascene and Pelargonium spp. High cost and limited availability of natural rose oxide restricts its pervasive application in high-value perfumes. Therefore, synthetic rose oxide is produced on a much larger scale as a mixture of the four (−)-cis-, (+)-cis-, (−)-trans-, and (−)-trans-stereoisomers, having aroma profile similar to naturally occurring rose oxide. However, the methods reported in literature for preparation of synthetic rose oxide involve harsh reaction condition, use of toxic metals salts and non-renewable chemicals and solvents.This paper discusses a novel, convenient, safe, scalable and cost effective process for manufacturing rose-oxide stereoisomers, predominantly the cis-rose oxide (∼90%) via radical peroxidation of β-citronellol using hypervalent iodine reagent iodosylbenzene (PhIO) at ambient temperature. The methodology provides an alternative to conventional process of rose oxide production via photooxidation of β-citronellol. A safe processing of β-citronellol to rose oxide could be achieved by working in a mixture of acetonitrile-water as solvent system at ambient temperature in the absence of any additive or catalyst. The product cis/trans-rose oxide (∼90:10) could be obtained in high purity through direct distillation from the reaction mixture followed by detection and quantification using GC-MS analysis.Despite significant advances in process designing and operation, the yields of essential oil obtained from Pelargonium spp. could not be enhanced significantly to affect its price and availability for creating rosy notes of commercial importance. Therefore, a semi-synthetic production of a compositional mimic oil of Pelargonium spp. from volatile oil of citronella (Cymbopogon winterianus), would be promising in catering to the demand for such an aroma oil. Thus, developed methodology of rose oxide production from β-citronellol was successfully applied for an in situ rose oxide olfactory value addition to low value citronella essential oil to obtain a compositional mimic oil of rose scented geranium, thereby provides newer opportunities of products, flavors and additives.

Establishment of an efficient Agrobacterium-mediated genetic transformation system in Pelargonium graveolens: an important aromatic plant

Rose-scented geranium is an important aromatic herb, have eminent for oil. The oil of geranium commercially utilized in the perfumery, cosmetic and aromatherapy industries all over the world. It is also helpful to cure many of the diseases, since it possess antibacterial, antifungal, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anticancer activities. However rose scented geranium suffer from several biotic and abiotic stresses, which reduced the yield of oil. So there is need to genetically improve the geranium using biotechnological approaches. The present study demonstrates the establishment of direct regeneration and Agrobacterium tumefaciens (LBA4404) mediated transformation protocol in Pelargonium graveolens (cv. CIM-BIO 171). Different media combinations such as benzyl amino purine (BAP), kinetin, naphthalene acetic acid (NAA), and adenine di-sulphate (ADS) were standardised to induce direct regeneration in P. graveolens. The maximum regeneration frequency i.e. 90.56 ± 1.2% per explant was achieved from petiolar segments in medium containing 2.5 mg/l BAP, 0.1 mg/l NAA, 1 mg/l ADS. However, with the leaf explants only 45.94 ± 2.91% frequency was achieved. In the present study, A. tumefaciens strain LBA4404 was used carrying binary vector pBI121 with the gusA as a reporter gene and neomycin phosphotransferase II (nptII) gene as a plant selectable marker. Parameters like bacterial optical density, infection time, acetosyringone concentration and kanamycin concentration were optimised to achieve maximum transformation frequency (69.5 ± 2.3%).The putative transgenic shoots were subsequently rooted on half strength MS medium and successfully transferred to the greenhouse. The transgenic plants were characterised by gus histochemical assay, PCR analysis (nptII-786 bp and gus A- 1707 bp) and Southern hybridization tests using gusA gene probe. The regeneration as well as transformation protocol will no doubt provide the basis to decipher the insights of metabolic pathways in geranium. Also could be useful for genetic improvement, to make it more tolerant/resistant against biotic and abiotic stresses and ultimately fruitful for Indian farmers in agronomic traits like high biomass, oil content, yield and better quality.

Performance of rose scented geranium (Pelargonium graveolens) in heavy metal polluted soil vis-à-vis phytoaccumulation of metals

ABSTRACTAn investigation was carried out to evaluate the effect of heavy metal toxicity on growth, herb, oil yield and quality and metal accumulation in rose scented geranium (Pelargonium graveolens) grown in heavy metal enriched soils. Four heavy metals (Cd, Ni, Cr, and Pb) each at two levels (10 and 20 mg kg–1 soil) were tested on geranium. Results indicated that Cr concentration in soil at 20 mg kg–1 reduced leaves, stem and root yield by 70, 83, and 45%, respectively, over control. Root growth was significantly affected in Cr stressed soil. Nickel, Cr, and Cd concentration and accumulation in plant increased with higher application of these metals. Chromium, nickel and cadmium uptake was observed to be higher in leaves than in stem and roots. Essential oil constituents were generally not significantly affected by heavy metals except Pb at 10 and 20 ppm, which significantly increased the content of citronellol and Ni at 20 ppm increased the content of geraniol. Looking in to the higher accumulation of toxic metals by geranium and the minimal impact of heavy metals on quality of essential oil, geranium can be commercially cultivated in heavy metal polluted soil for production of high value essential oil.

Influence of Gypsum and Farmyard Manure Application in Soil on Yield and Chemical Composition of Essential oil of Rose Scented Geranium (Pelargonium graveolens L'Herit.ex Ait.)

:A field experiment was conducted to evaluate the influence of farm yard manure (FYM) and gypsum application on the yield and chemical composition of essential oil of rose scented geranium. The herbage and essential oil yield of geranium was significantly increased (at 5 % level) by the combined application of FYM and gypsum along with recommended fertilizer application as compared to sole application of N, P and K fertilizer taken as control. The combined application of FYM and gypsum in soil was more effective to increase the herbage and essential oil yield of geranium by 35.4 % which was followed by the sole application of FYM (25.2 %) and gypsum (12.3 %) as compared to control. The chemical composition of the essential oil of geranium was affected differentially with the applied treatments. The content of citronellol, geraniol, linalool, citronellyl and geranyl formate in the essential oil of geranium were significantly increased by 48.9, 20.3, 62.3, 15.6 and 66.4 % respectively with the combined application of FYM and gypsum as compared to control but those were not significantly affected with the sole application of FYM and gypsum . The level of iso-menthone, trans-rose oxide were not affected but the content of cis-rose oxide was decreased and that of nerol and 10-epi-γ-eudesmol was increased in the essential oil of geranium with the application of FYM, gypsum and their combination as compared to control. The results suggest that the combined application of FYM and gypsum would be beneficial to obtain higher herb and essential oil yield of rose scented geranium with enhanced level of citronellol, geraniol along with their esters and other minor compounds like linalool, nerol, 10-epi-γ-eudesmol in the essential oil of geranium.