Abstract
Citrus peel is an important source of essential oil that is used in various fields such as cosmetics, perfumes, backers and
medicine. The citrus peel essential oils have diversification in chemical constituents. The aim of this experiment was to observe
the effect of topographical locality of orchards on composition of essential oil in citrus peel. Fruit of three citrus cultivars
named as Citrus paradisi (Shamber grapefruit), Citrus reticulata (Kinnow mandarin) and Citrus sinensis (Musambi sweet
orange) were collected from five different localities i.e. Rahim Yar Khan Layyah, Faisalabad, Sargodha and Abbottabad
(Pakistan). The citrus peel essential oil extracted from steam distillation methods at Rosa Oil Extraction Plant and physiochemical characteristics were calculated through the course of study. A noteworthy variation in bioactive compounds
availability in essential oils of citrus peel were found recorded geographical locations as well as among the cultivars. Maximum
oil percentage (0.321%) was measured in Shamber from Rahim Yar Khan and minimum (0.271%) was seen in Musambi fruit
collected from Abbottabad. Maximum oil density (0.834 mg cm-3
) was noted in Shamber and Musambi peel essential oils that
showed the similar values and minimum oil density of 0.822 mg cm-3 noted in Shamber from Abbottabad location. Limonene
was the major part of citrus peel essential oils that was found in higher concentrations in all three citrus cultivars of five
different localities. Layyah region observed to produce maximum peel essential oils in all citrus cultivars. All the chemical
compounds except limonene showed positive correlation with the elevation while limonene showed negative correlation with
elevation. Four compounds have statistically negatively correlation with maximum temperature for three citrus cultivars. In
conclusion, the citrus peel essential oil has a higher amount of bioactive compounds. This composition is closely associated
with the varietal and seasonal characteristics. These findings disclose that the production of essential oils of Citrus can be high
value in future for satisfying local needs. As the consumption of aromatic oils is on an increasing line day by day.
