Effects of IAA and BAP on chemical composition and essential oil content of lemon verbena (Lippia citriodora H.B.K.)

Background & Aim: The world production and consumption of essential oils and perfumes are increasing very fast. Lippia citriodora H.B.K. is an herbal species mainly used as a spice and medicinal plant. Endogenous levels as well exogenous application of plant growth regulators (PGR) could affect essential oil production and chemical compositions. Experimental: To study the effect of exogenous application of pgr on chemical composition and volatile oil content of lemon verbena (Lippia citriodora H.B.K.), an experiment was conducted based on Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. Experimental treatments included distillated water (positive Control), without treatment (negative Control), indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) (2mgL-1), 6-benzyl amino purine (BAP) (2mgL-1) and IAA + BAP (2mgL-1). The hydro-distillated essential oil was analyzed by GC and GC/MS. Results: More than 23 volatile components have been characterized as constituents of L. citriodora oil. Neral, geranial, 1,8-cineole and limonene were the major compounds of the essential oil from lemon verbena. Neral significantly increased by exogenous application of IAA + BAP (2mgL-1), whereas 1,8-cineole significantly increased by IAA (2mgL-1). Recommended applications/industries: Citral (geranial + neral) is a valuable flavor and scent reagent that is used in food and perfume industries. Generally, exogenous application of IAA, IAA+BAP and distilled water can increase medicinal and nutritional values of L. citriodora.