Influence of Melia dubia Cav. Spatial Geometries on Growth, Herbage Yield and Essential Oil Constituents of Cymbopogon martinii (Roxb.) Wats.

Abstract

The present study was carried out to find suitable spatial geometry of Melia dubia (an industrially important fast growing tree) for Cymbopogon martinii by assessing its growth, physiology, herbage, and essential oil yield and major essential oil constituents. Sole cropping (C. martinii) and silvi-medicinal systems viz., M. dubia (2x2 m)+C. martinii, M. dubia (3x3 m)+C. martinii, M. dubia (3x2 m)+C. martinii, M. dubia (4x4 m)+C. martinii and M. dubia (4x2 m)+C. martinii resulted significant (p ≤ 0.05) effect on growth, herbage yield, essential oil content and yield and major essential oil constituents of C. martinii. Height growth, number tillers, plant spread and physiological parameters were better under M. dubia (2X2 m)-C. martinii silvi-medicinal system. Total fresh, dry herbage and essential yield was higher under M. dubia (2X2 m)-C. martinii system compared to wider spatial geometries and sole cropping. Oil yield was higher under silvi-medicinal systems compared to sole cropping system. The essential oil recovery was also higher under M. dubia compared to sole cropping of C. mrtinii. Growth and yield attributes were higher at 2nd harvest compared to 1st and 3rd harvest. Geranyl acetate percentage was higher under closer spacing of M. dubia and it was less in sole crop. However, geraniol content was higher in sole crop and wider spatial geometries of M. dubia.