Evaluation of Kalmegh (Andrographis paniculata) germplasm for higher biochemical constituents production under agro-climatic conditions of Jharkhand

Abstract

Keeping in view the importance of variability in biochemical constituents of Kalmegh germplasm, a systematic research trial was undertaken to assess its biochemical contents thus to screen out its most promising cultivar suited for the climatic and edaphic conditions of Jharkhand. 25 Kalmegh germplasm was collected across its natural growing zone and evaluated under uniform edapho-climatic conditions of Jharkhand. Plants of Kalmegh of all germplasm were harvested before flowering stage to evaluate its different biochemical constituents. At before flowering stage, germplasm like JHAP1 (2.39%), JHAP3 (2.21%), OAP1 (2.00%), CHAP1 (2.36%) and CHAP2 (2.03%) gave maximum andrographolide %. Maximum andrographolide yield was recorded for JHAP3 (35.33 kg/ha) followed by OAP1, OAP5, CHAP1 and MPAP4. Maximum neo-andrographolide % was recorded for JHAP3, (2.93%) followed by JHAP4, OAP1 and OAP2; however maximum neo-andrographolide yield was recorded for JHAP3 (46.78 kg/ha) followed by JHAP4, OAP1 and MPAP4. Maximum diterpenoid yield in Kalmegh plants was recorded for JHAP3 (82.11 kg/ha) and OAP1. So for maximum production of andrographolide, neo-andrographolide and diterpenoid yield from the plants of Kalmegh germplasm harvested before flowering stage; JHAP1, JHAP3, MPAP1, OAP1 and CHAP1 may be screened out as best germplasm under the climatic and edaphic conditions of Jharkhand.