Floral extract from four clones of Boronia megastigma (Nees) throughout flowering

Abstract

SummaryThe rates at which flowers reach anthesis on four genetically distinct clones of brown boronia grown at different sites in Tasmania were examined. The yield of flower material per plant and the concentration of extract, total volatiles and b-ionone (% dry weight) were assessed throughout the flowering period via small- and pilot-scale extractions. Organoleptic assessment of absolutes was done. The four clones had similar concentrations of extract when harvested at between 50 and 80% open flowers (1.5–2.0% d.w.). The concentrations of total volatiles and b-ionone were reduced in pilot scale extractions compared with small-scale extractions. Inter- and intra-sample variability was high; there were no significant trends in the concentration of total volatiles or b-ionone in any clone. The yield of dry flower weight per plant varied between clones throughout flowering. Clones No. 3 and No. 5 progress through flowering earlier than clones No. 17 and No. 250. Despite the reduction in extract concentratio...