CIM-HARITIMA: High-Yielding, Premium-Quality Citronella (Cymbopogon winterianus) Somaclone for Essential Oil Production in Northern Plains of India

A genetically stable, somaclonally-derived citronella variety offering superior herbage yield (650–719 q/ha), high essential oil productivity (333–365 kg/ha), and premium-quality Java-type oil (citronellal 38–40%) conforming to ISO 3848:2016 standards. Addresses farmer demand for climate-resilient, high-return aromatic crops in Indo-Gangetic plains with consistent oil quality critical for mosquito repellent, disinfectant, and fragrance industries.

Perennial aromatic grass cultivated for steam distillation of Java-type essential oil rich in citronellal, geraniol, and citronellol. Suitable for rainfed and irrigated conditions in subtropical northern plains of India (UP, Punjab, Haryana, Uttarakhand, Bihar). Harvested twice/year with rapid post-harvest regeneration; oil used in mosquito repellents (MOSPRAY, Mos-Ex), surface disinfectants (Swabee, FLOMOP), perfumery, cosmetics, and household products. Variety demonstrates multi-cut stability, wide adaptability, and freedom from major diseases/pests during evaluation period.

• Superior Yield Performance: Fresh herbage yield 650.4–719.1 q/ha (two harvests); essential oil yield 333.5–365.5 kg/ha—significantly higher than standard check Bio-13
• Premium Oil Quality: Citronellal 38–40%, Geraniol 15–19%, Citronellol 9–11%—conforming to premium-grade Java citronella oil and ISO 3848:2016 quality standards
• Agronomic Robustness: Tall, vigorous growth with dense clump formation; long, narrow, dark-green, broader lamina leaves; strong aromatic profile; 95–98% establishment after planting
• Multi-Cut Stability: Rapid post-harvest regeneration enabling consistent performance across sequential harvests
• Wide Adaptability: Stable performance across Initial Evaluation Trials (2021–22), Bench Scale Trials (2022–23, 2023–24), and Pilot Scale Trial (2024–24) under randomized block designs in northern plains
• Disease & Pest Resistance: Freedom from major diseases and insect pests during multi-year evaluation period
• Industrial Relevance: High citronellal content directly enhances efficacy of CIMAP-developed repellent and disinfectant formulations (TRL 8–9)