Abstract
The integration of Andrographis paniculata under Pinus roxburghii (Chir pine) plantation has been studied to evaluate the growth and yield for its economic viability and conservation. It was grown on three topographical aspects, namely, northern, north-western, and western, at a spacing of 30 cm × 30 cm, followed by three tillage depths, namely, minimum (0 cm), medium (up to 10 cm), and deep (up to 15 cm) tillage. The growth parameters, namely, plant height and number of branches per plant, were recorded as significantly higher on western aspect and lowest on northern aspect except for leaf area index which was found nonsignificant. However under all tillage practices all the growth parameters in both understorey and open conditions were found to be nonsignificant except for plant height which was found to be significantly highest under deep tillage and lowest under minimum tillage. The study of net returns for Andrographis paniculata revealed that it had positive average annual returns even in understorey conditions which indicate its possible economic viability under integration of Chir pine plantations. Hence net returns can be enhanced by integrating Andrographis paniculata and this silvimedicinal system can be suggested which will help utilizing an unutilized part of land and increase total productivity from such lands besides conservation of the A. paniculata in situ.
Highlights
Andrographis, known as “King of Bitters,” is a member of the plant family Acanthaceae
The year-wise data pertaining to the growth and yield attributes of Andrographis paniculata, as influenced by three topographical aspects and three tillage practices in both understorey of Chir pine and open conditions, have been explained and discussed here
Under all tillage practices all the growth parameters in both understorey and open conditions were found to be nonsignificant except for plant height which was found to be significantly highest under deep tillage and lowest under minimum tillage (Table 4)
Summary
Andrographis, known as “King of Bitters,” is a member of the plant family Acanthaceae. The leaves and stems of the plant are used to extract the active phytochemicals. The most medicinally active phytochemical is andrographolide. A primary modern use of A. paniculata is for the prevention and treatment of the common cold. It appears to have antithrombotic actions, suggesting a possible benefit in cardiovascular disease [3]. The continued commercial exploitation of these plants has resulted in receding the population of many species in their natural habitat. Cultivation of these plants is urgently needed to ensure their availability to the industry as well as to people associated with traditional system of medicine
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