Title : Using yield and yield parameters to predict the essential oil biosynthesis of hydroponically grown rose geranium: Exploratory study
Abstract:
Association between the yield and the yield parameters with the essential oil biosynthesis has been reported extensively; however, no scientific studies have reported the association between these parameters, particularly on rose geranium (Pelargonium graveolens L’Hér.) grown hydroponically. A Bourbon-type variety was grown in a 72 m² plastic-covered greenhouse tunnel using a Completely Randomised Design during the 2017, 2018, and 2019 growing seasons to explore the prediction possibilities using Pearson’s correlations, ANOVA, MANOVA, and data mining algorithm approaches for rose geranium essential oil biosynthesis. Although the study was based on limited data, Pearson’s correlation coefficient and ANOVA partially revealed that higher OY and quality (C:G ratio) in rose geranium are possibly responsible for the shorter, bushier plants with smaller leaves. These yield and yield traits have shown that the possibility of foliar fresh mass exceeding 1129 g could possibly yield approximately 2.7 g of essential oil. Interestingly, the PCA also demonstrated that the C: G ratio (essential oil quality) could be associated with the OY and FFM, corroborating the possible validity of the models applied. Although these findings marginally corroborate the effect of yield and yield parameters on essential oil biosynthesis, the size of the data remains a limitation to this study. Future research should focus on expanding sample sizes and further exploring data mining techniques, particularly the MARS algorithm, to enhance predictive modelling of essential oil yield and quality in rose geranium.
