Effect of organic manure and plant spacing on biomass and quality of Mentha piperita L. in Himalaya in India

Abstract

Mentha piperita L. (peppermint) is one of the economically important aromatic–medicinal herbs in India. Cultivation of M. piperita has so far not been attempted under sub-temperate agro-climatic conditions in the mid-hill of Himalaya. A study on rationalization of level of farmyard manure (FYM) and plant spacing for M. piperita crop was conducted during 2007 and 2008 at IHBT (CSIR), Palampur. The treatments consisted of four levels of FYM (0, 15, 30, 45 t/ha), three plant spacing (25 × 15, 40 × 15 and 50 × 15 cm2). Crop yield significantly increased with the level of FYM and was significantly higher at 45 t/ha of FYM. The oil content in the crop ranged from 0.2% to 0.3%; however, it was not affected by FYM application. Menthone content significantly increased with application of FYM and was significantly higher at 45 t/ha of FYM, whereas content of menthyl acetate, neo-menthol and menthofuran significantly decreased with application of FYM. The crop yield, oil content and composition of the oil were not affected by variation in plant spacing. However, planting of M. piperita at 50 × 15 cm2 spacing and application of FYM at 45 t/ha was found to be favorable for biomass production and content of menthone.