Essential oil composition of selected cardamom genotypes at different maturity levels.

摘要

Immature (95-109 days after flowering or DAF), physiologically mature (110-124 DAF) and fully ripe (124-140 DAF) capsules were harvested from cardamom genotypes (IC-349589, IC-547136, IC-349591, IC-547185, IC-349646, IC-349650 and IC-349396). The mean seed content of the capsules, which increased with maturity, was highest in physiologically ripe capsules (72.72%). Among the genotypes, IC 547185 had the highest seed content (74.3%). In IC-547136 and IC-349591, the seed content of capsules harvested at the immature stage was on par with that of capsules harvested at the physiologically mature stage. In IC-349650, the seed content did not vary. IC-547185 had the highest oil yield at the immature stage. In IC-349646, IC-349650, IC 349396, IC-349589 and IC-547136, the oil yield did not vary between the immature stage and physiologically mature stage. Thirty-two compounds contributing to 93-95% of the oil were identified. All the genotypes had higher levels of alpha -terpenyl acetate than 1-8, cineole, indicating superior quality. The highest alpha -terpenyl acetate content was recorded for IC-349646 and IC-349650. IC-349396 had the lowest 1,8-cineole content and higher content of linalool. In all genotypes, the geranyl acetate content decreased with capsule maturity. The oil composition did not significantly vary much during 95-140 DAF. The results indicated that capsules should be harvested at the physiologically mature stage to obtain high oil yields.