Characteristics of an isomenthone-rich somaclonal mutant isolated in a geraniol-rich rose-scented geranium accession of Pelargonium graveolens

Abstract

A somaclonal essential oil mutant (IRPG) was identified among the regenerants induced in callus cultures initiated with the leaf explants of geranium Pelargonium graveolens cv. Kunti. While the shoot essential oil of the wild-type parent was rich in geraniol, the oil of the IRPG had isomenthone as the major monoterpenoid component. The IRPG oil had about 71% isomenthone, 6% citronellol and 3% geraniol, as compared to the parental variety oil, in which isomenthone, citronellol and geraniol contents were about 8%, 13% and 40%, respectively.