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Manju M. George*
Plant Biotechnology Lab, Department of Botany, Union Christian College (Autonomous), Aluva,
Ernakulam District, Kerala – 683102, India
Email: manju@uccollege.edu.in
Received-20.05.2026, Revised-10.06.2026, Accepted-29.06.2026
Abstract: Aromatic grasses of the genera Cymbopogon and Chrysopogon (vetiver) represent economically important crops valued for their essential oils, phytoremediation capabilities, and diverse industrial applications. This manuscript provides a comprehensive review of genetic modification and transformation studies in these aromatic grasses, synthesizing recent advances in tissue culture, regeneration protocols, and genetic engineering approaches. The review examines in vitro regeneration systems, Agrobacterium-mediated transformation protocols, molecular characterization of essential oil biosynthesis pathways, and emerging biotechnological applications. Key findings reveal that while efficient regeneration systems have been established for multiple Cymbopogon species and vetiver, successful stable genetic transformation remains limited, with only a few reports of transgenic vetiver plants. The manuscript highlights critical bottlenecks in transformation efficiency, discusses the molecular basis of terpenoid biosynthesis, and identifies future directions for metabolic engineering and crop improvement in these valuable aromatic grasses.
Keywords: Aromatic grasses, Chrysopogon zizanioides, Genetic transformation, Essential oil biosynthesis
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