Abstract:
Among 100 somaclones of jamrosa screened, a wide range of variation was recorded for several traits, including plant height, tiller number, herb weight, oil content and total oil yield. Qualitative analysis of essential oil was carried out for 45 somaclones which performed better or equal to the donor parent. Eleven somaclones selected on the basis of total oil yield and quality were further evaluated in replicated trial. Five superior somaclones showing a total oil yield twofold than the donor and possessing quality oil containing a high geraniol content > 84% were selected for further analysis in the field for six clonal propagations. Out of the five superior somaclones two improved somaclones which showed relative stability in oil yield and quality were subjected to RAPD analysis. Changes in RAPD banding pattern in the improved somaclone as compared to donor parent revealed occurrence of gross genetic change;. (C) 2003 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.