Conservation and management of a threatened traditional agroresource, ylang-ylang Cananga odorata [Lam.] Hook f. & Thomson forma genuina, in the Indian Ocean islands

in Crop Science (2012), 52(6), 2606-2618

In order to handle future economic, social and environmental changes, the assessment, management and conservation of the local genetic resources of cash crop species is a fundamental requirement. We ... [more ▼]

In order to handle future economic, social and environmental changes, the assessment, management and conservation of the local genetic resources of cash crop species is a fundamental requirement. We investigated the pattern of genetic and morphological diversity of Cananga odorata (Lam.) Hook f. & Thomson forma genuina, an important essential oil tree for the perfume industry in the introduction area of the western Indian Ocean islands. We sought to identify key elements for developing a conservation and management strategy for ylang-ylang genetic resources. Genetic and morphological variations were assessed using Amplified Fragments Length Polymorphism and morphometrics traits and information about farmers' practices were collected. The existence of substantial overall genetic diversity (HT = 0.2599) and the grouping of plantations into different genetic groups suggest that there have been a series of introduction events in the area, with limited exchanges of genetic material within and between islands, which is not what is suggested in the historical records. The morphological study revealed high phenotypic variability despite very similar agronomical practices throughout the studied area. The morphological and genetic variability might have been created and maintained without any planned or conscious management, and this has largely determined the genetic structuring in the area (11.74% genetic variation among islands and 20.68% among plantations). With this species, where past introduction events and farmers’ practices have shaped the genetic variation, on-farm preservation and the maintenance of the current management practices is recommended. Ex situ conservation efforts should also be undertaken, if economically affordable. [less ▲]

Variations in the essential oils from ylang-ylang (Cananga odorata [Lam.] Hook f. & Thomson forma genuina) in the Western Indian Ocean islands

in Flavour and Fragrance Journal (2012), 27(5), 356-366

Ylang-ylang essential oil is an important rawmaterial for the fragrance industry. Despite its economic importance, to the best of our knowledge, no study has yet been undertaken to assess the chemical ... [more ▼]

Ylang-ylang essential oil is an important rawmaterial for the fragrance industry. Despite its economic importance, to the best of our knowledge, no study has yet been undertaken to assess the chemical polymorphism of the different production areas. This underestimated variability is an interesting source of raw material for perfumers. That is why the variation in the chemical composition of four fractions of the essential oils extracted from Cananga odorata, grown in four locations Grande Comore, Mayotte, Nossi Bé and Ambanja, was studied. A total of 119 compounds, representing 85.7–96.4%of the total essential oil composition, were identified using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry and quantified by gas chromatography with a flame ionization detector. Thirty-two compounds previously unreported in ylang-ylang essential oil were identified. The distinction between the Comoros and Madagascar groups wasmade on the basis of the chemical classes. It was possible to significantly distinguish the Grande Comore and Mayotte essential oil samples, as well as the Ambanja and Nossi Bé essential oil samples, on the basis of their main compounds. The aromatic compounds profile for the origin of each essential oil fraction was established. Regression trees were built, allowing the provenance of the essential oils prepared at the laboratory level to be easily differentiated on the basis of a limited number of major compounds. [less ▲]