Essential Oils of Boronia megastigma—Selection of Improved Genotypes
in HortScienceBoronia megastigma is cultivated or picked from natural stands in Western Australia for the production of essential oil. Boronia absolute is extracted from the highly perfumed flowers. It is currently valued at between US$4000 and US$7000 per kilogram, and world consumption for perfumery is about 1 tonne. The variation in essential oil composition within and between populations has indicated considerable variation in oil components. Some individuals have high β-ionone and low levels of pinenes. Principle components analysis indicated that the content of β-ionone and dodecyl acetate were tightly linked, as were the monoterpenes, α-pinene, β-pinene, and, to a lesser extent, limonene. Separate linkages between the desirable oil components (β-ionone and dodecyl acetate) and the undesirable components (α-pinene, β-pinene, and limonene) will facilitate selection of plants to be used in oil production.
