MEDICINAL AND AROMATIC CROPS (2+1)

Types/varieties

1.Algerian or Tunisian
This type of Scented geranium is slender with flowers of a dark pink colour. It is being grown in the Nilgiris and is unsuitable for wet conditions. This variety yields 50-60% more oil with a more delicate odour than that of the Reunion type.

2.Reunion or Bourbon
Grown in the Nilgiris and Anamalai hills, the plant is sturdier with light-pink flowers and more suitable for wet conditions. The oil content is higher during the summer months from April to June. The terminal portion with 6 to 12 leaves contains more oil than the middle and basal portions.
KKL-1
In the evaluation trial of the Algerian and Reunion types, PG-7 and PG-20, respectively at the Horticultural Research Station, Kodaikanal, the clone PG-7 recorded 0.3% essential oil has been released under the name ‘KKL-1’.
Sel-8
The Indian Institute of Horticultural Research (IIHR), Bangalore, has found ‘Sel-8’ a Reunion type, as the highest yielder under Bangalore conditions and has recommended it for cultivation.
‘Hemanti’ ‘Bipuli’ and ‘Kunti’ are the other varieties released by the CIMAP, Lucknow, for cultivation in the plains of North India.
Kelkar and Ooty, are the other varieties available in this crop.