Application of Biotechnology in Patchouli

Patchouli (Pogostemon cablin Benth.), an aromatic medicinal herb possesses various therapeutic properties. It is widely used in the fragrance and pharmaceutical industries. The global market demand for patchouli herb is ever increasing. Presently, farmers are showing keen interest toward its mass cultivation. However, supply of planting material is limited. Clonal propagation is therefore will be useful to obtain homogeneous patchouli plants from preferred germplasm in order to meet the presnt global need. Biotechnology offers the possibility of obtaining a consistent higher yield with superior plant quality. This book emphasizes on the use of molecular markers and chemical profiles to select high yielding genotypes of patchouli for large scale cultivation. Also, conservation strategy to preserve elite clones of patchouli is discussed. This book provides a detailed information on mass propagation to ensure a stable supply of this commercial crop to meet the global demand for its essential oil.