First observation of little leaf disease and its impact on the yield and composition of the essential oil of rose-scented geranium (Pelargonium sp.)

• Published in: Flavour and fragrance journal 2000-05, Vol.15 (3), p.137-140
• Main Authors: Rajeswara Rao, B R, Kaul, P N, Mallavarapu, Gopal R, Ramesh, S
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Chemical industry and chemicals; essential oil composition; essential oil yield; Essential oils, perfumes; Exact sciences and technology; Geraniaceae; little leaf disease; Pelargonium; Pelargonium sp; root yield; rose-scented geranium; shoot yield; Washing products. Cosmetics and toiletries. Perfumes
• ISSN: 0882-5734; 1099-1026
• DOI: 10.1002/1099-1026(200005/06)15:3<137::AID-FFJ880>3.0.CO;2-A

Rose‐scented geranium (Pelargonium sp.) plants infected with little leaf disease, probably caused by mycoplasma, were firstly observed during 1996–1998. The plants exhibited symptoms of reduced leaf/petiole size (little leaf), yellowing and bunching of leaves and cessation of plant growth, resulting in plant mortality. Plant parameters, viz. plant height, plant spread, number of branches, leaf size, leaf weight, etc., were adversely affected by little leaf disease, leading to significant reductions in shoot (49–70%), root (65–84%) and oil (67–91%) yields of diseased plants in comparison to healthy plants. Healthy plants recorded higher concentrations of geraniol, while little leaf disease‐affected plants had higher percentages of isomenthone, citronellol, citronellyl formate, 10‐epi‐γ‐eudesmol, citronellyl tiglate and geranyl tiglate. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.