Phenotypic recurrent selection for oil content in East Indian lemongrass

Summary Phenotypic recurrent selection was carried out for oil content in East Indian lemongrass, Cymbopogon flexuosus (Steud) Wats. In each cycle, the top 5% of plants for oil content were selected. Their ramets were used for the establishment of replicated polycross blocks in isolation. Realized gains from selection were determined by evaluating the populations and the best clones from each population in separate two-year replicated trials. Three cycles of recurrent selection increased oil content by 32% per cycle at the population level. Realized gains from selection were slightly smaller or similar to predicted gains. Mean realized heritability for oil content was 0.56. At the clonal level, the best C₁ and the best C₂ clones had, respectively, a 22% and 73% higher oil content than the best clone from the base population (C₀). Selection for oil content did not adversely affect leaf yield, dry matter content or citral content in oil. Probable reasons for the high response to selection are mentioned.