Evaluation of the Natural Variability in Irone Content and Selection of Iris sp. for Perfume Production

Abstract

Rhizomes of Iris species used for perfume production do not contain scented irones immediately after harvest, precluding early selection of potentially high-producing genotypes. A recently developed technique involving a bacterial treatment (Rahnella aquatilis Izard, Gavini, Trinel, and Leclerc) of fresh rhizomes shortened the maturation time from 3 years to a few days. Variability in irone content among freshly harvested Iris species (76 clones) was evaluated, and three high-producing clones of Iris pallida Lam. were selected. Significant variability among clones was observed for irone content, growth, and yield.