Studies on the Effect of Nitrogen and Potassium Fertilizers on Growth, Herbage and Oil Yield of Palmarosa in Irrigation Condition (Cymbopogan martini [Roxb.] Will.Watson)

Palmarosa (Cymbopogan martini [Roxb.] Will.Watson) commonly known as Rosha grass. It is a tall perennial tufted hedge which contains a sweet smelling oil of rose like odour. Palmarosa oil also has notes of rye bread, tea and clary sage (Mallavarapu et al., 1998). It is native of most parts of subtropical India and grows in warm humid areas. The oil is extensively used as perfumery raw material in soaps, perfumes, cosmetics preparations and in the manufacture of mosquito repellent products. It is used for flavoring tobacco products, foods and nonalcoholic beverages (Prakasa Rao et al., 1985). The volatile oil is used as a remedy for lumbago, stiff joints, skin diseases and for bilious complaints (Rajeswara Rao, 1999). The oil is a very rich source of high grade An investigation was carried out at Medicinal and Aromatic Plant Research Station Rajendranagar, Sri Konda Laxman Telangana State Horticultural University, Mulugu (V & M), Siddipet Dist., Telangana State during the period of 2017-20 to determine the effect of Nitrogen and Potassium fertilizers on growth, herbage and oil yield of Palmarosa in irrigation condition. The study was conducted with the application of different levels of Nitrogen i.e, 0kg/ha, 100kg/ha, 200kg/ha, different levels of potassium 0kg/ha, 61.5kg/ha, 123kg/ha. The parameters in terms of fresh herbage yield, oil yield were significantly differed with respect to the different dosage of Nitrogen and potassium. The maximum plant height (198.35cm), no. of tillers/clump (46.86), fresh herbage yield (44.98 t/ha), essential oil yield (4.78 ml/kg) were found in N3K3 while the minimum plant height, no. of tillers/clump, fresh herbage yield, essential oil yield were found in N1K1. International Journal of Current Microbiology and Applied Sciences ISSN: 2319-7706 Volume 9 Number 12 (2020) Journal homepage: http://www.ijcmas.com