Evaluation of Essential oil in <I>Eucalyptus</I> Varieties Grown in Kumaon Hills (Ranikhed), Uttar Pradesh for Timber

Abstract

Fourteen different Eucalypts grown in Kumaon Hills (Ranikhet) for timber were studied for their essential oils together with their. Growth parameters E. viminalls followed by E. microcorys was found to be the best for timber and all both, while E. robertsonli was the highest oil yielding species. Feasibility of storage of leaves in open natural condition before distilling was also studied by distilling one sample of one kg leaves regularly up to 61 days and it was found that up to 30 days of storing of Eucalyptus hybrid leaves did not affect the oil content significantly. The oil content declined gradually upto 40 days after which a sharp fall in the oil content was recorded.