EFFECT OF PLANT GROWTH REGULATOR GA, (GIBBERELLIC ACID) ON ESSENTIAL OIL YIELD IN LEMONGRASS (CYMBOPOGON FLEXUOSUS)

Abstract

In the recent years, there has been a tremendous diversity in the research area of plant growth. Many researchers are studying the behavior of PGRs on Aromatic and Medicinal Plants. One such aromatic plant is the Lemongrass (Cymbopogon flexuosus). Cymbopogon flexuosus is a species of grass in the cymbopogon genus best known by the common name lemongrass. This is a perennial grass, native to Southeast Asia, especially India, and it is cultivated for its essential oil. The essential oil of this plant, which contains the active compound citral and geraniol, is valued for its aroma and for a number of traditional medicinal and household uses. Lemongrass oil has been shown to be an effective insect repellent when applied to stored grain and beans. PGRs are chemical substances that generally function as chemical messengers for intracellular communication and profoundly influence the growth and differentiation in plants. This chapter provides the deep insights on role of PGRs on essential oils yield by modulating the key enzymes involved in terpenoid pathway.