Genetic variability and relationship in quantitative and qualitative traits of Java citronella (Cymbopogon winterianus, Jowitt)

Thirty accessions of Java citronella (Cymbopogon winterianus, Jowitt) and f our accessions (three Indian and one Sri Lankan) of Ceylon citronella (C. n ardus (L.) Rendle var. nardus) were examined for genetic variability. For m ost of the traits examined, genetic correlations were found to be larger th an phenotypic correlations. Oil yield was positively and significantly corr elated with tillers/plant, herbage yield and citronellal content of the oil , while it was negatively correlated with the citronellyl acetate content. The elemol content of the oil was negatively associated with the contents o f citronellal, citronellyl acetate and geranyl acetate in the oil. From the study, improvement of oil quality with high citronellal content and low el emol content is believed to be achievable, although some compromise will ha ve to be made in oil yield.