Variability in the Essential Oil Composition ofSelinum vaginatumC.B. Clarke. (Apiaceae) in North-West Himalaya, India

Selinum vaginatum C.B. Clarke. (Apiaceae) was collected from two distant populations of north-west Himalaya, India. Underground parts were subjected to hydro distillation in a Clevenger-type apparatus and 0.24-0.27 % essential oil could collect. Twenty eight constituent from the volatile part was identified with GC-FID and GC-MS analysis. Great variations exist in qualitative and quantitative parameters of the essential oil. The study revealed that only nine constituents were common to both populations. Bornyl acetate was major constituents (31-51 %) of the essential oil in both the populations. Second major constituent was α-pinene from Rhohtang whereas β-phellandrene was second major constituents from Tungnath. Existing variations in the essential oil composition may be attributed to environmental factors as well genetic makeup. Such variations are important for assessment of genetic variability and crop improvement program of species.