How a Local Plant is Becoming a Global Commodity Through Science and Innovation
Picture this: the fresh, citrusy scent of lemongrass, familiar in your kitchen, now holds the key to economic revival and scientific discovery in the heart of Trenggalek. This isn't just about a pleasant aroma; it's about molecules, markets, and a mission to transform a traditional crop into a high-value "green gold." At the forefront of this transformation is the Trenggalek Science Techno Park (STP), a hub where farmers, researchers, and entrepreneurs converge. Here, the humble lemongrass plant (Cymbopogon nardus) is undergoing a scientific revolution, and the potential is as vibrant as its scent.
This is the compound responsible for the strong lemon scent. Beyond its fragrance, citral possesses potent antimicrobial and antifungal properties, making it a sought-after ingredient in natural cleaning products, cosmetics, and food preservatives.
Primary CompoundWith a sweet rose-like aroma, geraniol is a superstar in the perfume industry. It also exhibits insect-repellent qualities, forming the basis for natural mosquito repellents.
Key ComponentThe economic value of lemongrass oil is directly tied to its chemical profile. The higher the concentration of these key compounds, the more potent and valuable the oil becomes on the international market.
Much of the early work at the STP has focused on optimizing the distillation process. While traditional methods are well-known, they often yield inconsistent results. A key experiment was designed to answer a critical question: How do different drying times for the lemongrass biomass affect the final yield and chemical composition of the essential oil?
Lemongrass was harvested from a single, controlled plot at the same maturity stage. It was then chopped into uniform 5-cm pieces to ensure consistent steam penetration.
The chopped lemongrass was divided into four groups, each subjected to a different sun-drying time: fresh material, 6 hours, 24 hours, and 48 hours.
Each group was distilled using the same laboratory-scale steam distillation apparatus for exactly 2 hours. The condensate was collected, and the oil was separated from the water.
The extracted oil from each group was weighed to calculate the percentage yield. It was then analyzed using a Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) machine to identify and quantify the specific chemical compounds present.
The results were revealing. While fresh grass had a high water content that diluted the oil yield, over-drying caused the loss of precious volatile compounds. The data told a clear story.
| Compound | Percentage (%) | Primary Function & Aroma |
|---|---|---|
| Geranial (Citral A) | 45.2% | Lemon scent, antimicrobial |
| Neral (Citral B) | 29.8% | Lemon scent, slightly sweeter |
| Geraniol | 18.1% | Rose scent, insect repellent |
| Myrcene | 2.5% | Earthy base note, synergistic |
| Limonene | 1.8% | Citrus note, solvent properties |
| Other Trace Elements | 2.6% | Contributes to complexity |
Low-grade aromatherapy, soaps
Standard for cosmetics & fragrances
Pharmaceuticals, high-end naturals
Scientific Importance: This experiment proved that a pre-distillation drying period is crucial, but it must be optimized. The 6-hour drying time emerged as the "sweet spot," maximizing both the quantity (yield) and quality (citral and geraniol concentration) of the oil. This single finding allows local farmers to significantly increase their product's value with a simple, low-cost adjustment to their process.
What does it take to turn a leaf into a precisely measured set of molecules? Here are some of the key tools and reagents used in the lemongrass research at the Science Techno Park.
The workhorse for extraction. It uses steam to burst the plant's oil glands, carrying the volatile oils into a condenser where they turn back into liquid.
The "molecular detective." This machine separates the complex oil into its individual components and identifies each one by its molecular weight and structure.
Gently removes any residual water or volatile solvents from the extracted oil under reduced pressure, ensuring a pure, concentrated final product.
A drying agent. After extraction, the oil is passed through this salt to absorb any remaining water droplets, preventing spoilage and microbial growth.
A quick and easy tool to get a preliminary idea of the oil's purity by measuring how light bends as it passes through the substance.
Pure samples of citral, geraniol, etc. These are run on the GC-MS to calibrate the machine and ensure accurate identification of compounds.
The work happening at the Trenggalek Science Techno Park is a powerful testament to how science can amplify the value of local wisdom. By moving from traditional practice to data-driven experimentation, the community is not just producing lemongrass oil—they are engineering a premium, consistent, and globally competitive product. Each optimized drying step and each precise GC-MS reading builds a stronger future for Trenggalek, proving that the region's most promising resource isn't just in its soil, but in the intellect and innovation applied to it. The air in Trenggalek isn't just fragrant; it's filled with the scent of progress.