Topographicallocation of orchards modulates the biochemical composition of essential oils in citrus fruit peel

Abstract

Citrus peel is an important source of essential oil that is used in various fields such as cosmetics, perfumes, backers and medicine. The citrus peel essential oils have diversification in chemical constituents. The aim of this experiment was to observe the effect of topographical locality of orchards on composition of essential oil in citrus peel. Fruit of three citrus cultivars named as Citrus paradisi (Shamber grapefruit), Citrus reticulata (Kinnow mandarin) and Citrus sinensis (Musambi sweet orange) were collected from five different localities i.e. Rahim Yar Khan Layyah, Faisalabad, Sargodha and Abbottabad (Pakistan). The citrus peel essential oil extracted from steam distillation methods at Rosa Oil Extraction Plant and physiochemical characteristics were calculated through the course of study. A noteworthy variation in bioactive compounds availability in essential oils of citrus peel were found recorded geographical locations as well as among the cultivars. Maximum oil percentage (0.321%) was measured in Shamber from Rahim Yar Khan and minimum (0.271%) was seen in Musambi fruit collected from Abbottabad. Maximum oil density (0.834 mg cm-3) was noted in Shamber and Musambi peel essential oils that showed the similar values and minimum oil density of 0.822 mg cm-3 noted in Shamber from Abbottabad location. Limonene was the major part of citrus peel essential oils that was found in higher concentrations in all three citrus cultivars of five different localities. Layyah region observed to produce maximum peel essential oils in all citrus cultivars. All the chemical compounds except limonene showed positive correlation with the elevation while limonene showed negative correlation with elevation. Four compounds have statistically negatively correlation with maximum temperature for three citrus cultivars. In conclusion, the citrus peel essential oil has a higher amount of bioactive compounds. This composition is closely associated with the varietal and seasonal characteristics. These findings disclose that the production of essential oils of Citrus can be high value in future for satisfying local needs. As the consumption of aromatic oils is on an increasing line day by day.