Enhancing lemon grass leaves with sulphur-enriched compost and growth regulators

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted during 2022-23 at AICRP on Medicinal and Aromatic Plants and Betelvine, Nagarjuna Medicinal Plants Garden, Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth, Akola, to evaluate the effects of sulphur-enriched compost, GA₃, and Chitosan on lemon grass cultivation. The experiment followed a randomized block design with seven treatments, each replicated three times. Six cuttings were carried out during the study to assess lemon grass growth. The treatments included 100% RDF (Control) and combinations of 25% and 50% Recommended Dose of Nitrogen (RDN) through sulphur-enriched compost, with the remaining 75% or 50% RDN supplied through inorganic fertilizers alone. Additionally, Phosphorus (P) and Potassium (K) were provided through inorganic sources, and foliar applications of 100 ppm GA₃ and Chitosan were conducted at 90 days after planting and subsequently every 30 days after each cutting. Among the treatments, the application of 25% RDN through sulphur-enriched compost, combined with foliar spraying of 100 ppm GA₃ at 90 DAP and 30 DAC, resulted in a higher number of leaves, greater leaf area, and an improved leaf area index in lemon grass. These findings highlight the significance of a balanced combination of sulphur-enriched compost and plant growth regulators in optimizing lemon grass cultivation, providing valuable insights for enhanced agricultural practices.