Evolution of the quality of geranium essential oil produced in Madagascar from 1997 to 2022

The global market for essential oils is experiencing significant growth, both domestically and internationally. Geranium essential oils follows this trend and are among the most demanded. Largely used in perfumery, those produced in Madagascar are renowned to be as superior quality. Specifying the characteristics of geranium essential oil (Pelargonium X ssp.), ISO 4731 standard is intended to facilitate the assessment of its quality. Its latest revision in 2012 introduces the normative chromatographic profile of the 4 ecotypes according to geographical regions, including Madagascar’s ecotype. After a disease outbreak in the 1990s, almost Malagasy plantations were devastated nearly, geranium farming developed in the southern region, from Ambatolampy through Antsirabe and Ambositra, Ambohimahasoa, Ambalavao to Ihorombe. After replanting, while the Bourbon variety is the most widely cultivated, an intermediate profile has emerged between the "Bourbon" and "China" profiles. However, compliance to the ISO 4731:2012 standard specifying the Madagascar type is a competitive advantage for the country. The synthesis of studies and analyses carried out from 1997 to 2022 in the main production areas have demonstrated an improvement of the quality of geranium essential oils produced.

Keys-words:Essential oil, geranium, standard, quality, ecotype

15/06/2023