Essential sesquiterpene oil(s) in Khus-Khus (Vetiveria zizanoides Nash.) on roots diameter circumference positions for commercial usage

A. Misra*, N. K. Srivastava and A. K. Srivastava

Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, P. O. CIMAP, Lucknow-226015, India.

Accepted 2 June, 2011

The  culturing  Khus  in  controled  glasshouse  condition  in  sand  cultures  for  maximum  essential
monoterpene oil(s) was found (0.21%) in young developed middle position circumferences of roots. At
middle  position  of  leaf,  net  photosynthetic  and  contents  of  chlorophyll  were  affected.  The  maximum
peroxidase activity was obtained at middle position  of  leaf  and  roots circumferances  area,  with the
maximum  production of  biomolecule of khusimol and  khusinol    at  250 mg Zn/L. The maximum of
monoterpene oil(s) (0.21%) was also found at middle position of developed roots. However, the relative
contents  of  khusimol  and  Khusinol,  which  varied  at  different  circumferanceal  area  of  positions.  As  a
result  of  different  root  developmental  positions,  the  contents  of  Fe,  Mn,  Zn,  and  Cu  were  smaller  in
quantity  in  Vetiver.  Their  maximum  contents  were  observed  at  middle  positions  of  developed  root‘s.
Thus,  the  value  addition  of  essential  monoterpene  oil(s)  seems  for  commercial  exploitation  at  large
scales to be for the collection of developed roots position at middle levels (roots area of 5th positions
developments) for better quality of total essential oil of Khus.

Key words: Chlorophyll, dry mass, leaf area, net photosynthetic rate, plant height, saccharides, Zn.