Ylang-Ylang essential oil in the Comoros is renowned for its unique quality and is a product of great economic importance for the country. Indeed, this essential oil is the second largest export product of the country, which is also the world's largest producer. Its reputation and the profit generated have led to the proliferation of frauds which are a real problem for the maintenance of this quality product and for the support of reliable producers.

As part of his mission, Chakira will work on building a database based on the comparison of quality essential oils with adulterated oils. He will use the technique of Near Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS), a fast and non-destructive tool for detecting the composition and nature of various products, in order to develop a predictive model for detecting fraud. Preparation of samples will be devoted to the production of adulterated oils according to the types of fraud known or foreseeable at present. The various parameters of the quality of the oils will then be compared and used for the rapid detection of fraud. 

The mission will take place at CIRAD in Saint Pierre, station Ligne Paradis. Chakira will work in close collaboration with Serge NABENEZA (UMR SELMET), Fabrice Davrieux, Jérôme Minier, Marion Schilling (UMR QUALISUD) and with Jean Paul Danflous (Innovation). 

This mission is part of the INTERREG-V Qualinnov project, co-funded by the European Union and the Réunion Region.