Jasmine in Karnataka

The plant is a scandent, 2 to 3 m (6.6 to 9.8 ft) in height, branchless terete, or slightly compressed sometimes hollow, sparsely pubescent, leaves alternate, trifoliately compound; 1–2 cm (0.39–0.79 in) long, petiole is about 1 cm (0.39 in) long and it has small channel running in the middle, leaf blade ovate to ellipse, 4-8x2-3.5 cm thick, dark green in colour and nerves slightly raised beneath. Cymes, terminal, 1 to 5 flowered bracts subulate, 4–8 mm. Flowers are very fragrant. Pedicel 0.3–2 cm (0.12–0.79 in). Calyx glabrous or sparsely pubescent; lobes 8-9 linear, 5–7 mm. Corolla tube is slightly pinkish, 1.5 cm (0.59 in) long petals pure white, lobes oblong to sub orbicular, 5–9 mm broad,. Berry is purple black, globose, about 1 cm (0.39 in) in diameter.

The sandy loam soil with comparatively high pH prevailing in the region (Mysore and surrounding areas) makes a congenial ground for growing this crop. The dry and warm weather with low humidity is good for the crop. Flowering starts during March–April and continues up to June–July, April –May being the peak season

The essential oil content in the flowers ranges from 0.24 to 0.42 per cent.[4]

The principal aromatic components are Indol, Jasmone, Benzyl Acetate, Benzyl Benzoate, Methyl Anthranilate, Linalool & Geraniol. Its modern-day applications are in perfumery, cosmetics, Incense, Aroma Therapy and Ayurveda. It is also used externally to soothe dry and sensitive skin.[5]

Plant is small shrub with little scandent nature. Leaves are simple, thick, margin folded upside, slightly pubescent. Flowers are borne in axillary chymes. Flower with long corolla tube around 1 cm (0.39 in) long. Petals 7, spreading, white in colour.

The sandy red soil prevailing in this region is ideal for cultivation of Hadgali Mallige. The dry weather and good water supply also adds to the congenial environment for the cultivation of this crop. It is propagated mainly through cuttings. Planted directly in the months of July–August on the onset of monsoon. The flowering season spreads up to six months.

Flowers are highly scented and possess good essential oil recovery (0.24 to 0.42%). The flowers are used for extraction of essential oil.[4]

Mallige Android Application is available on google play store developed by Tackyant team which shows daily prices decided by Jasmine Flower Cultivators association in Shankarapura, Udupi and this application also shows information on its cultivation, its fortification, various uses, diseases, prevention, remedies, plantation, fertilizer application, pest management, nutrition management, and harvesting and some interesting facts.

Link to download the application: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.tackyant.mallige

Plant is a small and bushy with leaves of light green with yellowish shade, 5-7x2.5-3.5 cm, nerves slightly raised beneath, acute at both ends, entire, ovate-lanceolate. Flowers in cymose inflorescence and borne in the axils and also terminal. Calyx 6, petals 6-8, bracteate. Fruits are small, 0.4-0.5 mm in diameter.

The laterite soil condition of the region, high humidity and heavy rainfall (more than 2,500–3,000 mm or 98–118 in per annum) makes area suitable for growing this crop. Propagation is mainly by cuttings. Planting is done in the month August–September.

Jasmine of the family Oleaceae constitutes a group of plants, which are commercially grown for their fragrant flowers and essential oil production. Jasmine oil is said to blend with every floral scent and hence extensively used as an important perfumery item throughout the world. Indole is one of the constituent of perfumery importance present in buds. It is highly volatile. Fully opened, freshly collected flowers during early morning hours are used for extraction. On an average, the essential oil recovery ranges from 0.24 to 0.42% and the concrete yield is about 22 kg (49 lb) per hectare. Further on processing the concrete yields absolute to the extent of about 50% of the concrete production.[4]

It is one of the key scents in some of the most celebrated perfumes in the world viz., the Chanel No. 5, created by the legendary Coco Chanel and the famous "Joy" perfume, created by the French designer Jean Patou. A single ounce, still known as the 'costliest perfume in the world", contains 10,600 jasmine flowers.

In scent industry the two main varieties used are the Jasminum grandiflorum and Jasminum sambac. .[8]

Jasmine is part of floriculture or flower farming, which is a discipline of horticulture concerned with the cultivation of flowering and ornamental plants for gardens and for floristry, comprising the floral industry. The development plant breeding of new varieties is a major occupation of floriculturists. Floriculture crops include bedding plants, flowering plants, foliage plants or houseplants, cut cultivated greens, and cut flowers. As distinguished from nursery crops, floriculture crops are generally herbaceous. Bedding and garden plants consist of young flowering plants (annuals and perennials) and vegetable plants. Flowers are mainly for export and this business is growing in the world at around 6-10 per cent per annum. India’s share in the international market for these flowers is still negligible. However, Karnataka is in the limelight for floriculture right from the 18th century and is now the leader in floriculture, accounting for 75% of India's total flower production. The state has the highest area under modern cut flowers, and 40 flower growing and exporting units. The country's first and only flower auction centre is located in Karnataka. As per statistics for the year 2003-04, out of a total area of 18,182 ha (44,930 acres) under commercial flower crops, jasmine (the three varieties) accounts for 3,451 ha (about 19%) and the average yield of flowers is reported to be 6 tons/ha with a total production of 20,244 tons.[9]

The floriculture fair is organized every year at Aalsmeer, which is Netherlands' flower district (attracts flower growers with their flowers, from all parts of the globe). Karnataka government is reported to be deputing a team of growers of Udupi Mallige, Hadagali Mallige and Mysore Mallige flower to the Netherlands to attend the international floricultural meet. The department's strategy is to create a platform at the fair where women (three from each region) would string the flowers, thereby attracting the attention of the foreign visitors'. The act of deftly stringing jasmines flowers is an art which has been mastered by women growers.[10][11]

Absolute is the solvent extracted product of Jasmine. It is rendered through the process explained by Mandy Aftel, quoted below. The solvent extracts are supplied from the Jasmine extraction units located in South India where several thousand acres of Jasmine farms exist in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.[12]