Plants producing an aromatic oil, fruit, or seed have been used in religious ceremonies, for personal use and adornment, and for flavoring throughout history. Today there is still considerable pressure by consumers world-wide to use perceived natural compounds in edible and personal products. It is essential that producers be able to service this growing demand efficiently, economically, and above all, reliably. Additionally, many essential oil crops form part of the economy of countries with growing populations where there is an inevitable pressure on agricultural land as a resource for food and fuel crops. It is therefore important to understand and develop ways of ensuring maximum return on the investments made in establishing and growing these crops.
This book addresses these issues. It is concerned with growing essential oil plants to obtain an aromatic derivative in an economic and reliable manner. Each chapter covers a different family. A brief history of the recent use and economic development of the crop is given, and the cultivation and care of the crop is discussed. Current research findings and recommendations for improved agronomic practices and ways of adding value to the crop, such as extracting the oil, are also discussed.
This book is key reading for all researchers and agronomists concerned with essential oil crops. Agricultural advisors and development workers will find the book helpful, and it also contains valuable information for commodity traders and policy makers working in this area.