Growth performance of Cymbopogon cultivars in Harad (Terminalia chebula) based agroforestry system

Abstract

An experiment was conducted at Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Jammu, Chatha during the years 2022-2023 and 2023-2024 to evaluated the growth performance of two Cymbopogon cultivars, Krishna and CKP-25 under 5- 6 year old Terminalia chebula (Harad) established at a spacing of 6m x 4m. Cymbopogon cultivars were transplanted at a spacing of 40cm x 40cm under Harad and in open condition. Plant height, number of tillers per plant and number of leaves per tiller was recorded for two consecutive year. Results indicated that all growth attributes were significantly higher in open conditions compared to the cultivars grown under the shade of tree. Krishna consistently outperformed across both years, demonstrating better adaptability and partial shade tolerance. The maximum plant height and number of leaves per tiller was observed in Krishna (171.68cm and 4.85), respectively in open condition while maximum tillers per plant was recorded in CKP-25.