The influence of ontogeny on essential oil traits when micropropagating Eucalyptus polybractea

Abstract

Eucalyptus polybractea (blue mallee) is the key species used in the commercial production of pharmaceutical-grade (>70% 1,8-cineole) eucalyptus oil in Australia. The establishment of plantations based on clones of selected, elite oil-producing plants has been recognized as the best means by which to increase oil and cineole yields. Blue mallee can be micropropagated using axillary bud proliferation of explants collected from the coppicing lignotubers of decapitated plants. To date, this has been successful for ortets from three different ontogenetic stages: 8-month-old 'seedlings', 4-year-old 'saplings' and 'mature', biannually harvested plants of indeterminate age. The issue of ontogenetic ..