Conservation and sustainable production of Asparagus racemosus in an oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) based agroforestry system

Abstract

For evaluating the feasibility of ex situ conservation and sustainable production of Asparagus racemosus, as a part of an Oil Palm based cropping system, an experiment was conducted at Oil Palm Estate, Kulathupuzha, Kerala during 1999-2002. The results revealed that the different shade conditions available under the Palms of different age groups significantly favoured the growth and yield of Asparagus. Root yield per plant was higher under the Oil Palm shade compared to open condition and the highest yield was noticed under young Oil Palm canopy. An economic analysis of the yield data recorded a net profit under all situations and the highest net profit was from young oil palm plantation. Based on the benefit cost ratio, Asparagus racemosus can be considered as an ideal inter crop under young Oil Palm plantations followed by medium and mature plantations. Introduction and integration of Asparagus racemosus in the Oil Palm based cropping system can become a potential Agroforestry system which could be effectively utilized for the conservation and sustainable production of this valuable herb.