Effect of Different Spacing and Fertilizer Levels on Physical and Chemical Yield of Different Parts of Pogostemon heyneanus Benth. (Lamiaceae)

Pogostemon heyneanus Benth. (Lamiaceae) is an aromatic, perfumery important, industrial crop widely cultivated in many Asian countries for its distinguished fragrance and other therapeutic purposes.Therefore, the present study was undertaken to determine the effect of different spacing and fertilizer levels on physical and chemical yield (total antioxidant capacity (TAC), total phenol content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) in different parts (Leaf, Stem & Root) of Pogostemon heyneanus. Nine treatment combinations consisting of three levels of space (S1-90cm×45cm, S2-90cm×60cm and S3-90cm×90cm) and three levels of fertilizer (F1-Organic, F2-Inorganic and F-3 Control) was used for the field experiment in a completely randomized block design with three replicates. The plant height, canopy spread, number of leaves, number of branches, length of branches, number of roots and length of roots were recorded at two weeks intervals. The fresh weight and the dry weight of leaves, stems and toots of uprooted plants were recorded in each month. TPC, TFC and TAC of leaf, stem & root were determined by colorimetric Folin-Ciocalteu method, Aluminium Nitrate method and Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP) assay respectively. The highest values for all TAC, TPC and TFC (55.5±0.58AB, 11.6±0.25A and 86.1±2.83A) were found in leaves of Pogostemon heyneanus planted in the treatment combination S3F1. The order of increase TPC, TFC and TAC of P. heyneanus was leaf > root > stem.The highest number of leaves, leaf area, leaf fresh weight and dry weight (928±6.2A, 9484±4.9A, 516.2±4.9A and 70.3±0.7A) recorded in the treatment combination S3F1. Therefore, it can suggest to use 90cm×90cm space and organic fertilizer (Compost) for cultivation of P. heyneanus in commercial scale. Presence of higher amount of dry matter content and chemical yield (TPC, TFC and TAC) in the leaves scientifically validate traditional claims of harvesting the leaves and value of leaf for the development of newer effective drugs instead of roots and stem.