Improving production potential and resources use efficiency of peppermint (Mentha piperita L.) intercropped with geranium (Pelargonium graveolens L. Herit ex Ait) under different plant density

Abstract

Peppermint ((Mentha piperita L.), family, lamiaceae) is vegetatively propagated (through runners or stolon and rhizomes) high demand aromatic/medicinal crop. Geranium (Pelargonium graveolens L. Herit ex Ait, family, Geraniaceae) is also vegetatively propagated (through rooted stem cutting), high value aromatic crop. Essential oil is extensively used in fragrance, aromatherapy, flavor, and pharmaceutical industries. A field experiment was conducted at CIMAP, Research Centre Farm, Bageshwar, Uttarakhand, India during 2006–08 (two cropping seasons), to increase the production potential, resource use efficiency and monetary advantages of peppermint intercropping with geranium in temperate climate. The intercropping systems evaluated under different plant density (75cm×45cm, 90cm×45cm and 120cm×45cm) on biomass yield, essential oil content, yields and quality, resource use efficiency and monetary advantages of the intercropping system. Yield and quality attributes of peppermint was significantly influenced by plant density and intercrop. Under this intercropping system plant density 90cm×45cm was found maximum yield advantages and resource utilization efficiency over 120cm×45cm and 75cm×45cm, while monocrop peppermint at plant density 75cm×45cm was superior and produced 77.3% and 82.0% higher biomass and oil yield, respectively compared to wider spacing (120cm×45cm). The land equivalent ratio (LER) area time equivalent ratio (ATER), land use efficiency (LUE %) and monetary retunes were higher in 90cm×45cm spacing followed by 75cm×45cm over monocrop. The quality of essential oils of both the crops was good and acceptable for market. This intercropping system will help to increase high value essential oil production and more benefit to peppermint/geranium growers and aroma industry in temperate region.