Evaluation of Biochemical Diversity among Single and Double Petaled Polianthes tuberosa Genotypes under North Indian Condition

Polianthes tuberosa L. (tuberose) is one of the most important tropical ornamental bulbousflowering plants cultivated for production of long lasting flower spikes and essential oil formaking perfumes. Its essence are in high demand both in international and domestic marketbut the aesthetic of tuberose essential oil mainly for single and double petal type aredisregarded. The present study was performed in order to assess the potential bioavailability ofmajor compound present in the essential oil of the single and double type of flower in Polianthes tuberosa. The concrete and absolute content of open florets of tuberose genotypes were from 0.023 (Hyderabad Double) to 0.0603% (single pettled Shringar) and 11.775% (HyderabadDouble) to 23.69% (Shringar), respectively on fresh weight basis. All essential oils werecharacterised by monoterpenes hydrocarbons (0.13-2.98%), oxygenated monoterpenes(0.03-13.24%), other aromatic compounds ranged from (8.46-79.39%) especially benzyl benzoate (20.75%) which were almost dominant in all cases and with a trace amount of sesquiterpenes(0.04-0.94%). Beside benzyl benzoate, benzyl salicylate (10.85%), methyl salicylate (9.32%) and1,8-cineole (9.24%) were generally found as the principal components of studied single pettledgenotypes of tuberose. There was no relationship exists between the total yield of oil andconstituent amount like benzyl benzoate as well as 1,8-cineole. For instance Shringar withhighest oil content is composed of 34.55% benzyl benzoate with negligible 1,8-cineole, while Prajwal with lower oil content is with 21.24% and 8.81% (highest) of benzyl benzoate and1,8-cineole, respectively. The strong correlation between these compounds indicates that thegenotypes with high response coefficient constitute a good index for ability to produce highquality of essential oils with medicinal property.