Composition of Essential Oils in the Peel of Lemon, cv. Tashkentskii, Grown in Protected Ground in Different Natural and Climatic Zones

Abstract

The content and qualitative composition of essential oils obtained from the peel of lemon (Citrus × limon (L.) Osbeck), cv. Tashkentskii, was investigated by means of hydrodistillation using a modified Ginzberg’s collector. A principle of single distinction was applied: lemon plants were grown in protected ground in different natural and climatic zones: Moscow and Ufa (Republic of Bashkortostan). A slight variability in the content of hydrolyzable nitrogen and mobile phosphorus and potassium in highly fertile ground of greenhouses belonging to the groups of high and elevated supply of nutrients was disregarded. Under optimal parameters of microclimate, the potential yield of plants depends on arrival of photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) on the condition of clear sky thorough the whole vegetation period; it is reasonable that we detected an effect of light flux intensity on the content of components in essential oils of citrus plants grown in year-round span-roof greenhouses in daylight with latitudinal disposition. A high total content of essential oil was detected in the peel of fruit grown in the greenhouse in Ufa. The location of this cultivation facility ensured a great PAR value (by clear sky), which affected chemical composition of citrus fruit. Gas chromatography/mass spectrometry analysis of essential oils showed an identically high level of D-limonene concentration in the peel of lemons grown in protected ground of different natural and climatic zones. Content of monoterpene hydrocarbons and esters was greater in the peel of fruit, cv. Tashkentskii, grown in the greenhouse of Edelstein Horticulture and Vegetable-Growing Center (Moscow). The level of sesquiterpene hydrocarbons, alcohols, and aldehydes was higher in the peel of lemon, cv. Tashkentskii, cultivated in the greenhouse of Forestry Engineering College (Ufa). The obtained data are accounted for by cultivar specificity and growing conditions exerting an influence on qualitative and quantitative composition of essential oils.