Allocation of ~(140CO_2 into Primary Metabolites and Leaf Terpenoid in Relation with Storage Duration in Patchouli (Pogostemon cablin)

摘要

Metabolite partitioning of ~(14)CO_2 photo-assimilate into primary metabolites and its simultaneous utilization for accumulation of terpe-noid-essential oil were monitored in freshly harvested leaves and processed leaves, i.e. after 5 and 10 days of storage. ~(14)C content in major metabolic fractions, i.e. in ethanol-soluble, ethanol-insoluble and chloroform-soluble fractions was higher in stored leaves as compared to fresh leaves. Ion exchange chromatographic analysis revealed that ~(14)C content in sugars and amino acids increased and then declined whereas the ~(14)C content in organic acids was highest in fresh leaves and then declined with storage. Gas chromatographic analysis reveals that storage of leaves in shade up to 5 days resulted in better recovery of oil and patchouloi as compared to fresh leaves. Through radio-TLC separation it was confirmed that ~(14)C labelling was indeed high in oil and patchouloi in leaves after 5 days storage. This study shows that there is an advantage in shadedrying the leaves at least for 5 days to get an ideal combination of oil yield and quality than 10 days storage or extraction directly of fresh leaves. Further at this stage when oil content is high metabolite status reveals that sugars and amino acidsare higher as compared to organic acid content.