Determination of the constituents of peel oil from Citrus medica L.var. sarcodactylis Sw. harvested at different times

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine the constituents of peel oil from Citrus medica L.var. sarcodactylis Sw. in different harvest times to select for the most suitable harvest time ensuring the quantity and quality. The results showed that the oil content was 1.3±0.1 ml, 1.7±0.2 ml, and 1.8±0.2 ml at the harvest time of 100 days,  115 days, and 130 days, respectively. By using the GC-MS method, the oil at the harvest time of 100 days had 29 constituents, including 9 constituents of hydrocarbon group (34.49%) and 20 constituents of hydrocarbon derivatives (62.63%). At the harvest time of 115 days, 35 constituents were determined,  including 10 constituents of hydrocarbon group (35.48%) and 25 constituents of hydrocarbon (62.43%). At the harvest time of 130 days, 36 constituents were found, including 11 constituents of hydrocarbon group (35.03%), and 25 constituents of hydrocarbon derivatives (63.02%). For the sake of oil production, the Citrus medica L.var. sarcodactylis Sw. fruits should be harvested at the time of 130 days after fruition for the highest quality and economic benefits.