Content uploaded by Karol Lizarazo Hernandez
Author content
All content in this area was uploaded by Karol Lizarazo Hernandez on Apr 15, 2016
Content may be subject to copyright.
Yield of essential oils in lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus Stapf) under
different light conditions
Karol Lizarazo Hernandez1, Cristina Mendoza Forero1, Dexy Andrea Cruz2,
Anderson Useche2
Cymbopogon citratos (lemongrass) is recognized for its aromatic and medicinal
properties. Its essential oil is a basic material with high added value for these
properties and for cosmetic use. The quality, quantity and duration of light are
important factors in the physiological behavior and yields of essential oil of
lemongrass. The purpose of this work was to evaluate the ecophysiological
behavior and yield of essential oils under three environmental conditions of light
(free exposure, 70% and 50% light). The study was carried out with outdoor
conditions (20°C at 1530 meters above sea level) in Fusagasugá (Colombia). One
randomized block design with five replications was performed. Three light
environments (free exposure, 70% and 50% light) and two harvest times (five to six
months) were established. Morphological variables (total dry weight, fresh weight,
leaf stem, root) and physiological index (LAI, CGR, RGR, ARN, LAR, SLA, LAD)
and the percentage of essential oil yield were evaluated. According to the results,
C. citratus has a higher yield essential oils (0.54%) harvested at six months and
70% grow light, this condition without altering its physiological behavior, with
respect to plants growing under free exposure.
Key words: ecophysiological analysis; environments of light, time of cutting,
essential oils
1 Docentes, Universidad de Cundinamarca, email: inglizarazo@yahoo.com
2 Ingenieros Agrónomos, Universidad de Cundinamarca