Yield and quality of essential oil from <i>Pelargonium graveolens</i> cultivated in israel

Abstract

Abstract Pelargonium graveolens was cultivated to evaluate the potential for geranium oil production in Israel. During the summer (April‐November) the essential oil content in fresh plants increased from 0.2‐0.4%. In this period a Pelargonium crop can be harvested three times. A total yield of 185 litres ha −1 of geranium oil can be expected, including the essential oil dispersed and remaining in the distillation water. This so‐called ‘secondary’ oil can amount to 25% of the total oil yield. The odour evaluation and composition data show that oil from P. graveolens grown experimentally in Israel is of good quality and belongs to the African type of geranium oil.