Evaluation of selections and hybrids of vetiver (Vetiveria zizanioides (Lin n .) Nash.)

Abstract

Investigations on evaluation of selections and hybrids of vetiver Vetiveria zizanioides (Linn.) Nash, were undertaken using 9 cultivars of vetiver including 5 national collections, 3 hybrids and one South Indian type (ODV-3) . The observations on root characters revealed the superiority of ODV-3 in almost all root characters except root diameter. National collections had roots with maximum diameter. Hybrid 8 was also found superior in root characters. Shoot weight was the highest in ODV-3. No significant difference was observed among the different treatments with respect to shoot root ratio. National collection, in general produced highest percentage of oil per 100 g root especially NC 66415 and NC 66403 whereas ODV-3 produced the lowest percentage of oil. Hybrid 8, had maximum oil yield on per hectare basis. Studies on physico-chemical properties revealed that national collections had in general high specific gravity, refractive index and optical rotation. Oil from national collections was found laevo- rotatory whereas ODV-3 had dextro-rotatory oil. Acid value was higher in hybrids. Ester content, ester value and total vetiverol were higher in national collections. ODV-3 also had high total vetiverol. GLC studies revealed the superiority of NC 66416 with respect to oil quality. It had high vetiverol, vetiverone and low terpene content. Vetiverol was maximum in ODV-3 but had minimum vetiverone in its oil. Hybrid 8 was also found superior with maximum vetiverone content and fairly high content of vetiverol. But terpene content was higher it. Results of the experiment in pots showed that crops had better performance in pot condition with respect to almost all characters, but for oil content. . The observations on plant morphology indicated no clear- cut morphological features employable for exact identification of hybrids, North Indian and South' Indian types. However, data on root characters had shown that the South Indian types had in general long roots with maximum number and weight, than national collections. Root diameter in South Indian types was less. Performance of hybrids was better than national collections.