Variation in Yields and Quality of Geranium (Pelargonium graveolens L' Hér. ex Aiton) under Varied Climatic and Fertility Conditions

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Abstract
Experiments were conducted to study the response pattern of geranium (Pelargonium graveolens L' H' r. ex Aiton) to fertilizers, and the variation of essential oil constituents under varied agroclimatic regions in India (one temperate and two semi-arid tropical locations ranging in altitude from 542 to 2200 m above mean sea level and in soil pH from 5.1 to 8.0). The essential oil yields were higher at lower altitude regions than at higher altitudes. The oil produced from plants grown in the temperate climate of high altitude location was richer in menthone, citronellol, nerol and geraniol, while the oil produced from plants grown at lower altitude locations was richer in isomenthone, linalool, citronellyl formate and an unidentified compound. Maximum biomass and essential oil yields were obtained at all the locations with an N dose of 120 kg/ha. While response of geranium to P and K was observed at the high altitude location, the response was absent at the other two locations. The essential oil content was not influenced by the application of N, P and K fertilizers.