Abstract
The leaf essential oils of Agonis fragrans, isolated by steam distillation and solvent extraction, were analyzed by GC and GC/MS. The major components identified in five of the six samples investigated were 1,8-cineole (28%-34% and 12%-26%, respectively) and α-pinene (14%-28 % and 12%-18% respectively). The remaining sample was almost devoid of 1, 8-cineole (1% in oil and 0% in extract) with higher concentrations of α-pinene (22% and 39%), linalool (25% and 18%) and (+)-(1S, 5R)-myrtenol (20% and 12% respectively). The compositional variation within the species indicated that a breeding project could identify and use the best composition for commercial development.