Growth, Yield, Quality and Economics of Kalmegh (Andrographis paniculata Nees.) under Ratooning as Influenced by Nutrient Levels

Abstract

Kalmegh (Andrographis paniculata) is high value medicinal crop known for its important active constituent Andrographolide. The village and ethnic communities in India have been using kalmegh, mainly for treating fever, liver diseases, diabetes, snake bite, common cold, bronchitis and a variety of ailments since time immemorial. The kalmegh has tendency of ratooning and balanced application of nitrogen and potassium helps in obtaining higher herbage yield of good quality produce in ratoon crops. The experiment was laid out in a Factorial Randomized Complete Block Design (FRCBD) with 9 treatments replicated thrice. The application of FYM @ 25 t ha-1 along with 75 per cent nitrogen and 100 per cent potassium recorded maximum plant height, number of primary branches, plant spread, fresh and dry weight of leaves, stems, herb yield, andrographilide content and andrographilide yield which were at par with 50 per cent nitrogen and potassium. The highest B:C ratio and maximum net returns was also obtained with the above mentioned dosage of nutrients.