Mutation studies in Cymbopogon nardus var. Confertiflorus

Vegetative slips of Cymbopogon nardus var, confertiflorus after irradiation with various doses of X-rays left a clone among the surviving plants that showed mutation resulting in a higher content of geranyl acetate. From its progeny, raised after selfing a fresh clone, possessing about 60% geranyl acetate in the oil without any effect on the herb yield, has been isolated. This mutant has a significant commercial importance as a new source of geranyl acetate, an important aroma chemical. (author)