Tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa L.)is one of the most important tropical ornamental bulbous flowering plants cultivated for production of long lasting flower spikes. It is popularly known as Rajanigandha or Nishigandha. It belongs to the family Amaryllidaceae and is native of Mexico. Tuberose is an important commercial cut as well as loose flower crop due to pleasant fragrance, longer vase-life of spikes, higher returns and wide adaptability to varied climate and soil. They are valued much by the aesthetic world for their beauty and fragrance. The flowers are attractive and elegant in appearance with sweet fragrance. It has long been cherished for the aromatic oils extracted from its fragrant white flowers. Tuberose blooms throughout the year and its clustered spikes are rich in fragrance; florets are star shaped, waxy and loosely arranged on spike that can reach up to 30 to 45 cm in length.The flower is very popular for its strong fragrance and its essential oil is important component of high- grade perfumes. ‘Single’ varieties are more fragrant than ‘Double’ type and contain 0.08 to 0.14 percent concrete which is used in high grade perfumes. There is high demand for tuberose concrete and absolute in international markets which fetch a very good price. Flowers of the Single type (singlerow of perianth) are commonly used for extraction of essential oil, loose flowers, making garland etc., while that of Double varieties (more than two rows of perianth) are used as cut flowers, garden display and interior decoration. Fragrance of flowers is very sweet, floral and honey-like and can help give emotional strength. The flower spike of tuberose remains fresh for long time and finds a distinct place in the flower markets. Due to its immense export potential, cultivation of tuberose is gaining momentum day by day in our country.
