MEDICINAL AND AROMATIC CROPS (2+1)

Varieties

Out of 567 local germplasm, in the evaluation trials at Aligarh, a superior clone RSL-31 was evolved as the best genotype, containing more geraniol and rhodinol + geranyl acetate in the oil as compared to the Bulgarian rose oil which is considered to be the best in the world. This has been named as ‘Noorjahan’ by the CIMAP, Lucknow. This variety yields 100% rhodinol + gernaiol acetate, against 45.7% and 35% of the local check RSL-19 and Bulgarian rose, respectively.

Besides, the scientists at the Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology (IHBT), Palampur, have developed tow new varieties ‘Jwala’ and ‘Himroz’ for high flower and oil yield. ‘Jwala’ is suitable for cultivation in subtropical northern plains, low hills and mild temperate regions up to 1200 m altitude. It flowers in March-April and then in September and is tolerant to hailstorms, rains and high velocity winds. Jwala bears short clusters of flowers in compact bunches: the weight of a single flower varied between 2.2 to 5.0 g.

‘Himroz’ is ideal for cultivation in mild temperate to cold temperate regions (1200-2500 m). It is winter tolerant and grows in cold areas without any visual sign of winter injury. It flowers for 22-25 days during the early summer and the weight of a single flower varies from 1.8 to 4.00 g.