Journal of Medicinal and Aromatic Plant Sciences

Abstract

Vetiver (Khus) of the family 'Poaceae' is native to India and is mainly cultivated in tropical and subtropical countries as a perennial crop. It is cultivated for the production of its root derived hydro distilled essential oil that imparts a strong and persistent woody odor.  The oil can also have earthy, grapefruit-like, flowery, smoked and ambery, undertones, depending upon the geographic origin of the crop.  Vetiver oil is a high value basic ingredient of modern perfumery today. The total world production of this essential oil is estimated to be around 600-700 tonnes per year as compared to only 20-25 tonnes produced annually in India. Therefore, khus cultivation in Indian context is a viable option for increasing farmer's income as its oil demand for perfume and soap industries is constantly rising. However, its long gestation nature and poor oil content have always been a deterring factor for its acceptance among the farmers. Over last 10-15years, CSIR-CIMAP has developed nine khus cultivars for maximizing the benefits of its cultivation to khus growers in different parts of the country.  Khus cultivation often results an average net profit of over Rs 1.5 lacs in a span of 10-12 months with 25-30kg/ha oil yield. In addition, co-cultivation of khus with wheat, lentil, peas, mint, basil etc. can further add to the profit margin by Rs. 30, 000/ha. Looking at the huge import requirement of Vetiver oil in the country, the need to enhance the unit area productivity and quality of vetiver oil is evident. Continuing with our effort towards genetic enhancement in vetiver, we have now developed a new genotype, namely V-18(Selection 23) that is capable of producing 35 kg/ha of high grade essential oil in comparisons to 25kg/ha oil yield of best available check ie. CIM-Vriddhi (also developed by CSIR-CIMAP). The new genotype, in addition to improved root biomass 35q/ha and oil yields, also have a much desired quality profile with 31% khushilal and 19% khusol contents in its oil. The new genotype V-18 (selection 23) is ideally suited for its cultivation in entire North-Indian plains and southern region of the country. The unique yellow-green inflorescence and broad dark green leaves are the two unique distinctive features of this variety It also fits in crop rotation/intercropping cycles between mint and paddy and with other vegetables crops grown by farmers with small land holding. Leaves of this variety are nutritive and can be used as fodder for milk producing animals. The new genotype has now been christening as CIM-Samriddhil" and is being registered here as a new improved variety of vetiver for its commercial release.